New York State Sheriffs’ Association Passes Resolution to…

New York State Sheriffs’ Association Passes Resolution to Oppose Legalization of Marijuana

Sheriffs in attendance at the recent New York State Sheriff’s Association’s 86thAnnual Winter Training Conference in Albany voted to again oppose legislative efforts to legalize the sale and possession of recreation marijuana in New York State. This is the second consecutive year that the Association, through its member Sheriffs, has taken this position.

It is the opinion of Sheriffs that legalization will pose a significant risk to the health and safety of their constituents’ communities. Sheriffs know this from experience. States that have legalized the recreational use of marijuana have seenalarming consequences, from increased marijuana-related traffic fatalities to further expansion of the black market for marijuana. This is to say nothing of the potential, intrinsic dangers that marijuana may pose to individuals. Public health officials and many health related organizations oppose the legalization of marijuana as contrary to New York State’s aggressive anti-smoking stance, as well as being perilous to people’s health in its own right.

In the coming months, the Association will be working with its member Sheriffs and partner organizations to impress upon the Legislature and Governor that marijuana legalization will hurt New Yorkers, and only be a detriment to our state.