By TAYLOR CASEY
Executive/News Editor
The State of New York organized a community forum at the Albany Capital Center to discuss marijuana regulation in the state on Sept. 5.
This was the first of many meetings to be held throughout the state, and the overall goal is to obtain an idea of how people feel about the regulation and distribution of recreational marijuana. In the state of New York, medicinal marijuana is currently legal, but it is illegal to use for other purposes.
Attendees were given a NYS Regulated Marijuana Fact Sheet with information regarding the benefits of marijuana use and its integration into society. Along with this fact sheet, the State made clear that the purpose of these meetings is to listen to the communities and get an idea about what people want as far as regulated distribution of marijuana.
“This is our opportunity to listen to you,” said Sandra Houston, the mediator for the event. “We will respect differences and agree to disagree.”
Though they came to hear the people’s opinions, the State came with the idea that the positive effects of a regulated marijuana program in New York outweigh the negative impacts. These meetings, which will be held until mid-October, will provide input into the potential development of a regulated program with consideration of each community’s needs.
With the midterm elections coming up in November, the regulation of marijuana has become a hot topic to include in the platforms of those running. The two lead candidates, Andrew Cuomo of the Democratic party and Cynthia Nixon of the Working Families party, have both expressed their interest in the legalization of recreational marijuana. On Thursday Sept. 13, both Cuomo and Nixon face off in a primary with a focus on this issue.
The opinions of the people ranged from imploring the state not to regulate to highly favoring the regulation. A few came forward with personal experiences both in favor and not of recreational marijuana, but overall the majority leaned more in favor.
However, even those opinions in favor of the legalization fall into the categories of regulated versus unregulated.
“Regulation will be a disservice,” said Albany resident Kimberly Krepp. “We also need to free our pot prisoners.”
Those that were not in favor of regulation tended to have the same argument. Because so many people have been locked up in years past due to possession of marijuana, it can appear as though those who have suffered from the system will not receive justice. The state is taking steps towards a better system, as this summer they agreed to issue tickets to marijuana users rather than arrest them.
As well as this, some brought the argument that because marijuana is a natural substance of the earth, it should not be controlled by the government.
“Hemp should be regulated as any other herb,” said Reverend Henry McGrath. “We believe marijuana is a natural herb. It does not need government regulation because it will just serve industry.”
Serving the economy is a goal that New York State has in mind. Based on the fact sheet that was distributed for the forum, the state hopes to create new jobs, generate long-term cost savings, and promote the potential for substantial tax revenue in New York.
The economics of it all provide a clear idea of what the state hopes to achieve with regulation of marijuana. Yet, many still believe that being able to home grow cannabis should be allowed.
As medicinal marijuana is legal in New York state, many of those who are in need of the cannabis oils can obtain it. However, the question of cost is still something of concern. Many of those who are prescribed medicinal marijuana cannot afford it. Once the government seizes control over the market, there is concern that it will become too expensive in the recreational sense.
“We need to fight for consumer rights,” said Joy Beckerman of Hemp Ace International. She made clear that she was a firm believer in making sure there are precautions when it comes to obtaining marijuana, and at the same time supports home-growing.
At the end of the two hour forum, Houston made sure to let the people know that if their comments and concerns were not heard from that day, there were comment cards that would be made available. The state will take in what was said that day and during all of the meetings that will happen in New York state during the next few months.
