New York Rejects Predatory Pot Industry in Favor of Decriminalization

New Law a Victory for Youth and Minority Communities, Avoids Big Tobacco-Style Damage

(ALBANY, NY) – In response to New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signing the state’s new marijuana decriminalization law Smart Approaches to Marijuana New York President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former senior drug policy advisor to President Obama, issued the following statement. SAM New York championed decriminalization as an alternative to opening New York’s communities to Big Marijuana:

“New York’s young people, communities of color and those who want safer streets have reason to celebrate today. Parents, educators, doctors, addiction experts, law enforcement and many more fought hard to ensure our neighborhoods weren’t overrun with more drugs, and lawmakers listened.

“Decriminalization is part of a larger effort to provide real social justice without creating another addiction-for-profit industry that ruins more lives. We applaud sponsors of this legislation for their efforts and look forward to continuing to work with them and other leaders to educate the public about the dangers of today’s predatory commercial pot industry. SAM will continue to be a leader in ensuring New York State steers clear of another Big Tobacco-style public health crisis.”