BY MICHAEL BALSAMO

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - With the start of New York’s medical marijuana program still months away, patents and caregivers of children with neurological conditions gathered outside Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office to demand early access to the drug.

About two dozen people gathered Tuesday morning in Manhattan, a year after the governor signed legislation that authorized medical marijuana in the state. They say more needs to be done now to grant access for those with the greatest need while state regulators finalize the details of the program.

“We don’t want any more patients in New York state wondering what medical marijuana access could do to save their child’s life,” said Anna Saini with Vocal NY, one of the groups that organized the rally. “We don’t want to wait another day wondering when we have the tools now. All we need is for the governor to take action.”

Elaine Smith traveled more than 300 miles to join the gathering. Her 9-year-old daughter Emma was diagnosed before her first birthday with intractable epilepsy, a persistent seizure condition.

Smith said Emma has been put on nine different medications, but most had side effects and none has worked as well as marijuana. She took Emma to see a doctor in Colorado and was prescribed medical marijuana, which her mother said helped tame the illness.