Assemblyman Katz; Against medical pot, then caught with pot.

Early Thursday Morning, on the New York State Thruway, Republican Assemblyman Stephen M. Katz was arrested and Given a DAT(Desk Appearance Ticket). Issuance of a DAT involves a full custodial arrest, handcuffs and a trip to the police station in a squad car, van or wagon. He was brought up on charges for doing 80MPH in a 65MPH zone and...wait for it...Unlawful Possession of Marijuana(§221.05). Interesting...A Legislator being charged with Marijuana possession must've voted for pro-marijuana legislation in the past, right? Nope, Assemblyman Katz has actually voted against medical marijuana in the past.

This is the sort of hypocritical politics that has to be done with before we can pass meaningful Medical and Tax&Regulate legislation in NY. You would be hard pressed to find a individual that smokes Marijuana who doesn't think it should be, at the very least, removed as a schedule I or II drug or has that it has medicinal benefits, and Assemblyman Katz is no different sense he obviously partakes for his own reasons.

I'm not going to speculate his reasons for voting against Medicinal Marijuana  previously, but I hope they will change this time around. And who knows, maybe Assemblyman Katz will be a surprise crusader for strengthening NY's Decriminalization statutes. But until then this is just another story of a misguided politician thinking he was better then the sick patients that seek relief through marijuana because he smokes pot and didn't get caught, until now.

Don't forget,  call Assembly Katz's office, 845-628-3781, and leave a message reminding him the importance of supporting Gov Cuomo's Marijuana Decrim efforts in light of his (most)recent run in with the police.

Image Credit:

(Left)http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Steve-Katz

(Right)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Katz_%28politician%29

Advocates renew call for Medical Marijuana in New York

NORML Long Island Speaks at Hofstra Presidential Debate

Tomorrow, October 16^th, the Major Party Presidential Candidates are coming to Hofstra University in Hempstead for their second debate of this election cycle, and NORML Long Island will be there. Both our Executive Director, Troy Smit and Legislative Director, David Adams will be speaking to the crowd in the public area outside the debate.

Their speeches will focus on the negative consequences of federal marijuana law on state’s efforts to reform public policy towards industrial hemp and medical marijuana, and the need for reform at the federal level. The major party candidates have avoided discussing marijuana policy, with Governor Romney claiming he does not even know what industrial hemp is, and President Obama breaking a previous campaign promise to not waste federal funds by interfering with state regulated medical marijuana distribution.

We will be there from 4:00pm to the end of the night, with Troy speaking at 7:00pm and David speaking at 8:20pm.

Come join us at Hofstra tomorrow, and together we can make it clear to the major party candidates that marijuana policy is not to be ignored!

 Directions:

https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&q=hofstra+university&fb=1&gl=us&hq=hofstra+university&hnear=hofstra+university&cid=0,0,18137204279734354163&ei=uS58UMufJsyp0AHU_4GwCg&ved=0CJEBEPwSMAA

Get involved!

Get involved!

Are you wondering what you can do to help further the cause of reforming our marijuana laws? How to get involved with NORML? Well this post will outline some of the way's you can help.

1. Join Empire State NORML.

Our membership base is the cornerstone on which our organization runs. Becoming a member of Empire State NORMLis a important step in furthering the reform of Marijuana Laws in NY. Our member's give us the political clout we need to deal with politicians on this issue. It's also how we fund our activism. First time members also get a free year's membership to National NORML.

2. Become a Volunteer.

Empire State NORML is always looking for people to get involved and help. We have opportunities like table, canvass, and other ways to participate in our actions around the state. As a membership based non-profit and we pride our selves in having a low overhead and our volunteers make that happen.

3. Join one of our Committees.

Are you interested in a certain issue such as Hemp, Medicinal or the Recreational uses of Cannabis? Maybe your skilled in fundraising or event planning? Then join on of our Committee's on the topic and help us in that area.

If you would like to get involved please send a E-mail or call. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. Email. info@EmpireStateNORML.com - Please put "How to get involved" in the subject line.