New York health department recommends marijuana legalization
Source: New York Times
ALBANY — The Department of Health on Friday released a highly anticipated study recommending the legalization of marijuana as public acceptance of the drug has steadily risen in recent years and the disparate impacts of its prohibition on low-income communities of color have come under increased scrutiny.
The report concludes the benefits of recreational marijuana legalization outweigh the negative consequences. It recommends a regulated system in hopes of avoiding things like accidental ingestion by children under the age of 12 and other guardrails.
“It is imperative that a regulated marijuana program contain all necessary safeguards and measures to limit access for individuals under 21, minimize impaired driving, provide education and tailored messaging to different populations, and connect people to treatment if needed,” it states.
It also estimates the state could generate between $248 and $678 million in annual tax revenue, depending on the tax rate, and would curb the amount of arrests for black and Latino residents on marijuana-related offenses. The state's tax estimates are based on current street prices, though, which could be significantly lower if the drug is legalized.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2018/07/13/new-york-health-department-recommends-marijuana-legalization-in-much-anticipated-report-509227
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