Legalizing Cannabis for Communities and Racial Justice in New York: StartSmartNY

A new adult-use (recreational) legislative initiative, StartSmartNY, has materialized in the Empire State, with the re-introduction of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) (previously stalled in prior legislative committees).  The movement is spearheaded by a coalition comprised of members and advocates associated with the Drug Policy Alliance, Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA), Latino Justice, Vocal NY, Empire State NORML, and the immigration Defense Project.  Together, they hope to influence New Yorkers into legalizing cannabis as “Smart” for New York’s communities, economy, and racial justice.

The launch party in mid-July for StartSmartNY began with a heartfelt moment of silence, led by DPA’s State Director for New York, Kassandra Frederique, in memory of fallen victims of the Black Lives Matter movement, including Eric Garner and Philando Castile.   Impassioned speeches were delivered thereafter by, among others, Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, champion of New York’s medical marijuana regulation, the “Compassionate Care Act,” and State…