BUFFALO, N.Y. - We asked members of the New York State Assembly and Senate who represent Western New York where they stand on legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. Not all responded due to being in session in Albany or traveling. However some did take time out to respond.
Senators Michael Ranzenhofer and Gallivan both said no. According to Sen. Gallivan "there is insufficient research to support the legalization of recreational marijuana."
Sen. Ranzenhofer said "with all the problems that our community is facing with substance abuse I do not favor legalizing recreational marijuana."
Sen. Kennedy said yes, "First and foremost, the effort to legalize marijuana is a matter of criminal and social justice. Studies have consistently shown that there are disproportionate marijuana-related arrests in African-American and Latino communities. The current policy unfairly targets people of color and leaves many - young men particularly - hamstrung with criminal records that negatively impact their futures. While I have been a longtime supporter of medical marijuana, our current program is too restrictive. I have spoken to doctors who believe marijuana could be a critical component to ending the scourge of opioid addiction in our community. Using marijuana to treat pain and other neurological conditions may reduce the over-prescribing of opioids, which is the leading cause of this epidemic. New York wouldn't be alone in taking this step. Nine other states have legalized marijuana, including neighboring states Vermont and Massachusetts, and reports estimate legal marijuana sales have hit $9.7 billion last year alone. In addition to providing revenues for schools and other priorities, this growing industry has the potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs throughout New York State. I believe the Governor's suggested study into the legalization of marijuana will only underscore its justice and economic advantages, and I hope that it provides perspective on how to craft any future legislation thoughtfully and responsibly."
Republican Assemblyman Angelo Morinello is undecided, but he said his district is 50/50 on the issue.
Assemblyman Ray Walter doesn't think "we're ready to take the next step and go to recreational use at this point in NY because I think there are a lot of unknowns at this time."
Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes thinks "marijuana should be legalized, taxed and regulated in the state of new York."
Gov. Cuomo wants a study to look at the impact of legalizing recreational marijuana.