Marijuana legalization debate rages as opt-out movement grows

As the debate over the legalization of recreational marijuana plays out among lawmakers in Albany, residents across the Hudson Valley are having the same conversation.

News 12 Staff

Mar 21, 2019, 10:38 PM

Updated 1,898 days ago

Share:

Marijuana legalization debate rages as opt-out movement grows
As the debate over the legalization of recreational marijuana plays out among lawmakers in Albany, residents across the Hudson Valley are having the same conversation.
In January, Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed a bill to legalize recreational use of marijuana, but left in it a loophole: Municipalities with populations of over 100,000 can opt out of growing and selling the substance in their community.
Many counties, including Rockland and Putnam, have already opted out. On Long Island, both Nassau and Suffolk counties have opted out, as well.
There is no word yet on what Westchester and Orange counties will decide. County Executive George Latimer has released a statement saying that he would rather wait to see what becomes of the law. The Orange County health commissioner tells News 12 the office is currently reviewing the matter.
Greenburgh Police Chief Christopher McNerney tells News 12 that legalizing the drug could have catastrophic consequences, while one marijuana advocate cautions that opting out would be a mistake.
The state legislative year ends in June.


More from News 12
0:24
Police: Route 301 partially closed following fatal crash involving motorcyclist

Police: Route 301 partially closed following fatal crash involving motorcyclist

1:42
Sunny skies and mild temps for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; chance of rain for late Sunday

Sunny skies and mild temps for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; chance of rain for late Sunday

Breaking the cycle of poverty through education: San Miguel Academy celebrates graduates

Breaking the cycle of poverty through education: San Miguel Academy celebrates graduates

0:52
Former Tuxedo Park police sergeant given conditional discharge, $250 fine for off-duty Newburgh bar shooting

Former Tuxedo Park police sergeant given conditional discharge, $250 fine for off-duty Newburgh bar shooting

1:43
Residents in Yonkers neighborhood say flooding has been constant since Hurricane Ida

Residents in Yonkers neighborhood say flooding has been constant since Hurricane Ida

1:59
School superintendent: Elementary school temporarily closing because state was late to approve upgrades

School superintendent: Elementary school temporarily closing because state was late to approve upgrades

1:32
Newly improved playground unveiled at waterfront park in Rockland

Newly improved playground unveiled at waterfront park in Rockland

0:21
Westchester Health Department: 2 county beaches closed due to high levels of bacteria in water

Westchester Health Department: 2 county beaches closed due to high levels of bacteria in water

2:13
Chinese harp prodigy from Hartsdale to perform at this weekend's Asian-American Heritage Festival in Valhalla

Chinese harp prodigy from Hartsdale to perform at this weekend's Asian-American Heritage Festival in Valhalla

1:34
'It's chaos.' Unauthorized roadwork reversal in South Blooming Grove leads to traffic nightmare

'It's chaos.' Unauthorized roadwork reversal in South Blooming Grove leads to traffic nightmare

2:29
Exclusive: Video shows dramatic rescue of family from Bedford Hills fire

Exclusive: Video shows dramatic rescue of family from Bedford Hills fire

3:06
Food Truck Friday: Jimmy's Soft Serve

Food Truck Friday: Jimmy's Soft Serve

0:27
Phelps Hospital strike averted thanks to tentative deal

Phelps Hospital strike averted thanks to tentative deal

0:45
Former President Donald Trump responds to his guilty verdict

Former President Donald Trump responds to his guilty verdict

1:03
City of Newburgh School Board passes proposed revised budget

City of Newburgh School Board passes proposed revised budget

1:47
East Ramapo Board of Education approves revised budget for next school year, voters decide what's next

East Ramapo Board of Education approves revised budget for next school year, voters decide what's next

1:32
Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Exclusive Deals – Up to 50% OFF!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Exclusive Deals – Up to 50% OFF!

Is your dad awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your dad rocks!

Is your dad awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your dad rocks!

1:24
'She was the best person ever.' Brother remembers NYPD officer killed in Orange County crash

'She was the best person ever.' Brother remembers NYPD officer killed in Orange County crash

2:10
Author reveals new information on case of Edgemont native Lauren Spierer as 13th anniversary of her disappearance nears

Author reveals new information on case of Edgemont native Lauren Spierer as 13th anniversary of her disappearance nears