We Call On State and Local Officials to ACt

We call for state and local officials to enforce existing clean air regulations, laws, and statutes, including prohibiting smoking in or near public parks and beaches, transportation systems, schools, and health care facilities.  

Create standardized signage and public service announcements reminding people of the rules of where it is legal and illegal to smoke marijuana. Model and replicate signage used in other cities around the world that have implemented them.

Offer to the Citizens a fair and balanced approach regarding any risks or benefits of smoking marijuana. Utilize public health officials to ensure that the most up-to-date information is communicated.

Regulate advertising of marijuana use to ensure that it does not target children or anyone under the age of 18.

Research and speak to business leaders and owners among the community. Identify businesses that are being impacted by smoking or second hand smoke and provide options to these individuals. 

With existing laws, use a portion of the current state or local taxes on marijuana sales to go to support public hospitals'' departments of pulmonology caring for those with chronic pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, and COPD. 

Tourism is key to the financial health of the State of New York. It fuels the economy and directly employees thousands of individuals. Key surveys and feedback from both domestic and foreign visitors have voiced that the smell of marijuana pervasive in many areas, especially in New York City, is a reason to not visit and to instead choose other destinations. 

Empower local officials and peace officers to issue civil violations to enforce local and state statues. Utilize existing tools and technology already in place used to enforce tolls, parking, and pollution regulations.

Enforce existing regulations and create new ones as necessary to ensure that all New Yorkers can have a smoke-free home or apartment without any kinds of smells or smoke from those neighbors who choose to smoke marijuana. Fine and enforce infractions against public housing authorities or large management companies who repeatedly ignore complaints and violations, including withholding the issuance or renewal of key city or state licenses. 

New York has always been a leader and not follower. It should host a yearly, international summit on legalized marijuana use and how it impacts our state and our people. Participants should include business leaders and marijuana business groups, urban studies researchers, medicinal marijuana researchers, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association. The State should prepare a yearly report on the findings from this event and the economic and social benefits and concerns of legalized marijuana. This document should be available to the public and elected officials for review.