Mindcontroll

[M0nKeY]

A marijuana shortage in New York is being partly blamed on the Washington sniper case.

Medical groups which use the drug say they are having to seek emergency supplies from across the US.

Increased police patrols on major east coast roads may have frightened dealers away.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who rely on cannabis to relieve pain have had to return to hospital because of the drug's scarcity.

A New York City Medical Marijuana Buyers' Club board member, said: "There's almost no pot around at all. None.

"We're emailing other buyers' clubs, requesting that because of the emergency situation people come and donate small amounts."

He told the New York Post there was a small amount of super strong hydroponically grown marijuana available in the city, but, at four times the cost of more common blends, it's too expensive for most patients.

A number of recent drug busts have also hit the supply.

The medical marijuana club represents 150 severely ill people who treat their symptoms with cannabis. The drug remains illegal in New York state, even for terminal cases.

Billionaire businessman Tom Golisano, who is standing for New York state Governor in next month's election, is currently running a high profile TV campaign promising to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients if elected.