NY Health Dept’s Report to Recommend New York Legalizes Marijuana

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will soon receive a report from the New York Health Department recommending the state legalize recreational marijuana. The report, to be completed by Dr. Howard Zucker, is expected to be finalized and delivered soon.

“When new facts come in, you have to look at the analysis and you have to figure out what kind of decision do you make at that point in time,” Dr. Zucker told WIVB 4 News. “So, we have new facts, we have new data and as a result of that we have made the decision to move forward” because the “pros outweigh the cons.”

Dr. Zucker continued saying, “Governor Cuomo called on the Department to assess the impact of a regulated marijuana program back in January. At that time the Governor correctly pointed out that the facts have changed regarding the issue. Our border states have already legalized marijuana or are in the process of doing so.  The report is being finalized, but it concludes the pros of a regulated program outweigh the cons.  The report also concludes that should a regulated program be implemented, special consideration will need to be given to a number of factors including the age of who can purchase marijuana, who can grow and distribute it, the location of dispensaries, and at what rate the product would be taxed.  The report raises a number of thoughtful questions and we look forward to delivering it for Governor Cuomo’s review.”

New York’s medical marijuana program is also set to expand soon with the addition of new qualifying conditions, including for opioid users.