Community Members and Stakeholders Encouraged to Attend One of 15 Meetings Planned Statewide
Workgroup to Draft Legislation for a Regulated Adult-Use Marijuana Program for the Legislature to Consider in the Upcoming Session
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a series of listening sessions on regulated marijuana will be held across New York State in September and October. The purpose of these sessions is to garner input from community members and key stakeholders on the implementation of a regulated marijuana program in New York State. This input will assist the Regulated Marijuana Workgroup in drafting legislation for an adult-use marijuana program for the legislature to consider in the upcoming session.
“Community input is critical as we work to draft balanced and comprehensive legislation on a regulated marijuana program in New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “The multi-agency report identified the benefits of a regulated marijuana market, and with these listening sessions we are taking another important step to develop a model program for New York. We look forward to hearing what New Yorkers in every corner of the state have to say.”
“Input from communities in every region of the state is an essential part of our approach to a regulated marijuana program,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “With a thoughtful process, New York is moving forward to craft a policy that will ensure continued progress across our state.”
Fifteen listening sessions will be conducted across New York State in the following locations: Albany, Glens Falls, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Long Island, Newburgh, Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Watertown. The listening sessions will begin in early September and be completed by mid-October. Listening sessions, which will be held in the evening and consist of facilitated discussion, will be open to the public, and to accommodate all those planning to attend, pre-registration will be encouraged.
Please see the following list of dates and locations:
Wednesday, September 5 – Albany
Thursday, September 6 – Glens Falls
Monday, September 17 – Bronx
Thursday, September 20 – Manhattan
Monday, September 24 – Queens
Tuesday, September 25 – Brooklyn
Wednesday, September 26 – Staten Island
Thursday, September 27 – Long Island
Monday, October 1 – Newburgh
Tuesday, October 2 – Binghamton
Wednesday, October 3 – Buffalo
Thursday, October 4 – Rochester
Tuesday, October 9 – Syracuse
Wednesday, October 10 – Utica
Thursday, October 11 – Watertown
Information regarding specific venues and pre-registration is available here.
In January, Governor Cuomo commissioned a multi-agency study, led by the Department of Health, to assess the impact of a regulated marijuana program in New York State. The Assessment of the Potential Impact of Regulated Marijuana in New York State was delivered to the Governor in July. The impact assessment examined the health, economic, public safety and criminal justice impact of a regulated marijuana program in New York State and the consequences to New York State of legalization in surrounding states.
The study found that the positive impacts of a regulated marijuana market in New York State outweigh the potential negative impacts, and that areas that may be a cause for concern can be mitigated with regulation and proper use of public education that is tailored to address key populations.
Based on the findings of the study, the Governor announced the creation of a Regulated Marijuana Workgroup to provide advice to the State on legislative and regulatory approaches needed to protect public health, provide consumer protection, ensure public safety, address social justice issues and capture and invest tax revenue. The Workgroup includes subject matter experts from throughout the State and government representatives of public health, mental health, substance use, taxation and finance, law enforcement and public safety.
For more information on Regulated Marijuana, visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/regulated_marijuana/.
