Up Close: Medical marijuana
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York is now the 23rd state to legalize medical marijuana.
When Governor Cuomo formally signed the bill into law, 10-year old Amanda Houser was by his side, cheering.
She has Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that gives her daily seizures.
Medical marijuana will now be available to patients like Amanda and many others, but New York's law comes with severe restrictions and it could be another year and a half before the program actually gets started.
Joining us is Amanda, her mother Mary Anne, and State Senator Diane Savino, who led the charge to get the law passed.
Last year, there were a record 87 prisoner exonerations nationwide, and we are on pace to exceed that number this year.
For those proclaiming innocence and fighting for their freedom, clearing their name is only part of the battle.
We're joined by Jeffrey Deskovic, who now runs a foundation to help exonerated inmates just like him to re-enter society.
To learn more about The Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice
http://deskovic.org/
More than two million prisoners are in this country, by far the largest prison population in the world. And it costs more than $70 billion a year.
Their rehab regiment is virtually nil, but that is changing thanks to a grass roots effort, literally.
Prison gardens are beginning to make a comeback, in part because of our guest Beth Waitkus, founder and director of the Insight Garden program.
Find out how you can support Insight Garden Program
http://insightgardenprogram.org/
Part 1: Medical Marijuana legal in New York
Part 2: Prison Yard Garden
Part 3: Wrongful Imprisonment
