Libous Would Try Medical Marijuana – If It’s Legal

New York State Senator Thomas Libous won't rule out using marijuana to deal with the nausea brought on by his cancer treatments. But he says he would only consider doing so if such use is legalized.

Speaking from his Albany office on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program this morning, Libous said he had not decided whether he would support medicinal marijuana legislation this year.

Libous said he "still has some questions" that he's been discussing with medical professionals.

The Binghamton Republican said he's been told marijuana could help him cope with some of the serious side effects he experiences after his regular chemotherapy treatments.

Libous was asked what's kept him from trying marijuana to see whether it would help ease the nausea that occurs following treatments. He said he would not do so because "it's not legal."

The senator said if medicinal marijuana use is to be permitted in New York, it "needs to be controlled" and "handled in a proper way."

Libous pointed out he could not be treated with a new cancer drug unless it had first been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

If state lawmakers OK marijuana for medical purposes, Libous noted that could happen before the FDA has authorized such use. He said "that doesn't make sense."

Libous indicated he'd use marijuana to deal with the nausea after a chemo treatment. But, he stressed, only if it became legal. He said he doesn't deserve any special treatment.

Libous said he'd smoked marijuana "a couple of times" while in college and "that was about the extent of it."

The senator made it clear he opposes legalization of recreational marijuana in New York. He said he hopes that doesn't happen.

Libous said he believes recreational marijuana "causes a lot of societal problems."

The state of Colorado has made the sale of marijuana for recreational use legal. The state and local governments have reported collecting millions of dollars in tax revenue since January.