Pubdate: Mon, 28 Apr 2014
Source: AM New York (NY)
Copyright: 2014 AM New York
Contact:  http://www.amny.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4301
Author: Alison Fox

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION TO BE DEBATED IN ALBANY

A new bill in the state legislature to legalize marijuana will be
debated on Tuesday morning.

In December, State Sen. Liz Krueger, whose district includes the Upper
East Side and the Flatiron, introduced a bill that would make toking
legal. While Krueger jokes that she hasn't sampled the green stuff in
years, she said her intention is not to encourage smoking. Rather, by
regulating marijuana, Krueger said she hopes fewer kids will light
up.

"We believe that the research shows that marijuana is not more
dangerous than alcohol," she said. "Regulating and taxing it would
actually make it harder to get for young people than it is now."

Under her proposal, New Yorkers would be legally allowed 2 oz. or
less. Her plan would not allow the sale of marijuana to those under
21.

In fact, Krueger said she thinks the cost of the drug under regulation
would become prohibitive for some.

Tuesday's invitation-only forum in Albany will feature testimony from
several people, including drug and law enforcement advocacy groups,
said a spokesman for the senator.

In his 2014 State of the State address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo voiced his
support for a medical marijuana research program. But Cuomo has said
that he opposes a broader medical marijuana approach.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt