New York State lawmakers on the verge of introducing an amended version of the MRTA

STATEMENT TO THE PRESS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

For Press Inquiries:  Troy Smit | 631-806-9189 | Troy@EmpireStateNORML.com 

New York State lawmakers on the verge of introducing an amended version of the MRTA
Empire State NORML’s statement on impending revisions to the MRTA

Albany, New York:​ New York State lawmakers plan to introduce S.854A/A.1248A, an amended version of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (“MRTA”). This legislation championed by Senator Krueger and Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes since 2013 embodies the principles of marijuana justice and consumer rights.

Once the marijuana arrest capital of the world, New York is poised to become the largest adult-use market in the nation. We are encouraged by the improvements legislators have reportedly incorporated into the bill, and we hope that when passed this legislation will respect the balance between the rights and freedoms of cannabis consumers, and marijuana justice.

NORML still has much work to be done to ensure the legacy market, along with the current consumers, are thoughtfully integrated into the legal market in a meaningful way. We look forward to soon working with our membership, the Office of Cannabis Management, and elected officials on directing our advocacy towards enacting strong consumer-oriented regulations.  

“As a consumer advocacy organization, NORML is thrilled to hear the negotiated bill reflects marijuana justice and the interests of the cannabis consumers,” said Troy Smit, Deputy Director of Empire State NORML and Director of Long Island NORML. “For far too long, the lives of New Yorkers in low income and communities of color have been ruined by our draconian enforcement of harmful prohibitionist policies. We hope this bill is a step towards a framework that implements marijuana justice and respects the cannabis consumers' freedom to use a harmless plant.”

“Ensuring that our cities such as Buffalo are equitably represented as well as our rural agricultural communities is no easy task.” says Penelope Hamilton Crescibene, Executive Director of Western New York NORML “ We appreciate our legislators’ efforts in this and look forward to the details of these negotiations, knowing that there’s much work to be done in the future.”

"Our chapter is electrified upon the idea that legislation representative of justice and the long-standing work of the advocacy community is finally being considered for NYC's ever-changing future.” said Ryan Lepore, Interim Executive Director of NYC NORML “ New York City consumers and specifically its marginalized communities have been in the crosshairs of oppression and criminalization for far too long. We must continue to advocate and ensure our state’s incoming regulatory process truly provides regenerative, restorative, and equitable opportunities for our diverse legacy and consumer population."

For questions or interview requests, please contact Troy Smit at 631-806-9189, Troy@EmpireStateNORML.com 

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Empire State NORML is a 501(c)4 advocacy organization and the statewide affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (“NORML”). 

 Empire State NORML's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high-quality marijuana that is safe, convenient, and affordable. 

Find out more at esnorml.org/news