New York looks to loosen marijuana laws

New York is planning to loosen its marijuana laws to allow limited use of the drug by people suffering serious illness, the New York Times reported, citing state officials.

The newspaper reported on Saturday that Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, a long-time opponent of legalising medical marijuana, was planning to announce the new guideline next week in an executive action.

The decision would see New York mirror a growing list of states which have taken an increasingly progressive stance on marijuana use.

Colorado this week became the first US state to legalise the drug for recreational use.