NYS Association Of Counties Says No To Pot

As state leaders continue to negotiate legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in in New York, the New York State Association of Counties is saying no to pot.

Executive Director Stephen Acquario says regardless of which level of government opts-in to legalize marijuana, it will be county government programs and services that bear the impact of legalization.

He says without sufficient revenue to support the services that ensure public health and safety, counties are not willing to take the gamble.

"Public policy ought to be about doing the public good. No harm to the public should be done," said Acquario. "Will taxpayers once again end up subsidizing the long-term effects of this industry in our communities?  If the state opts in to authorize adult use cannabis, counties need state resources to support any policy change from day one of the implementation."

Acquario says if the resources to support legalization are not there, the State should focus on decriminalization and undoing the damage caused to communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana charges.