The New York State Association of Counties recently hosted a panel on proposals to legalize adult use marijuana and expand the farming and development of cannabis for hemp and medical use in New York state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal, if agreed upon by the state Legislature, will impact several areas overseen by counties: agriculture, economic development, land use planning, public health, public safety, traffic safety, mental health and substance abuse, agriculture, district attorney and law enforcement, jails and probation, and consumer protection. To educate county officials about this major policy change and the potential local impact, NYSAC has published an in-depth report, Making Marijuana Legal in NYS. County leaders are urging the state to provide counties with the resources needed for public education and technical assistance to manage the societal impact to public health, public safety, criminal justice, consumer protection, and economic development, among others. In addition to levying a sales tax on retail sales for community impact and support, counties support a general revenue sharing formula similar to casino funding distribution. The Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act, included in the 2020 Executive Budget, would create and amend existing laws to legalize adult-use cannabis; consolidate governance of all forms of cannabis; and create a regulatory structure to oversee the licensure, cultivation, production, distribution, sale and taxation of cannabis within New York state. The legislation will also address the consequences of marijuana criminalization. Under the proposed legislation, counties would have the home rule authority to opt out of community sale of adult-use cannabis with the passage of a local law or resolution. “There are many facets of the Governor’s plan, and county officials are exploring the entire proposal. There is industrial hemp, CBD oils for therapeutic applications, and the adult use of marijuana. Our current public health efforts combating tobacco use will double when we are talking about cannabis, including educational campaigns and cessation programs,” said Stephen J. Acquario, NYSAC executive director. In 2018, the state Health Department issued a report recommending the state legalize non-medical use of marijuana. Ten states – Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington — and Washington, D.C., have already legalized cannabis. The state report acknowledges the difficulties that legalization is anticipated to present for local law enforcement. This legislation will also have other social and practical impacts that will place new responsibilities and service requirements on many county departments, including public health, mental health, substance abuse, consumer protection, economic development and others.

Deaconess Karen Neal and Pastor Reginald Smith from Blackwell Chapel AME Zion Church in Jamestown recently donated over three dozen lap blankets for the residents at Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. The lap blankets feature various patterns and colors for men and women and were hand-sew by Karen Neal herself. Residents use the blankets in their rooms, common areas, and in the hallways to keep warm during the winter months. Pictured is Edwin Rodriguez Jr., director of public relations and marketing at Lutheran; along with Heather Fields, a CNA at Lutheran and member of the Blackwell Chapel, receiving the lap blanket donations along with Grace Garvey, resident at LHRC.