New York is set to become the latest state to open the door for medical marijuana, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to take executive action to let select hospitals dispense it to certain patients, according to two advocates briefed on the plan.

State Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, who has been a leading proponent of more comprehensive legislation for medical marijuana in New York, said he learned about the executive action in a conversation Saturday afternoon with members of the governor's staff.

It paves the way for a "limited and cumbersome program," but nonetheless is a step forward on the issue, according to Gottfried.