New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer expressed opposition to medical-marijuana during a campaign debate last year, but now says he is open to the idea of allowing state residents to legally use the drug for medical purposes, the Buffalo News reported June 13.

"On many issues, hopefully you learn, you study, you evolve," said Spitzer. "This is one where I had, as a prosecutor, a presumption against the use of any narcotic which wasn't designed purely for medicinal and medical effect. And now there are ways that persuaded me that it can be done properly."

The state legislature is currently considering a medical marijuana bill that would allow the drug to be used to treat symptoms of cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. Spitzer has pushed for the state health commissioner to have final say over which illnesses should be covered under the legislation.

"It depends upon access control, how you regulate it, how you ensure you're not just dispensing a narcotic," said of his potential support for medical-marijuana legislation. "There are obviously issues there that have to be dealt with."

The sponsor of the Senate medical-marijuana bill, Sen. Vincent Leibell, called Spitzer's change of heart "very significant" and said a bill could be voted on next week.