Albany – The lead state Senate sponsor of New York’s medical marijuana law has written to President Trump asking that the feds allow such state programs to continue.
Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) wrote to Trump on Dec. 9 when he was President-elect encouraging him to direct his Attorney General nominee Sen. Jeff Sessions "to respect the wishes of the citizens and elected officials of 29 states and allow carefully regulated and closely monitored medical cannabis programs to continue without undue interference from the federal government."
Despite the growing number of states allowing some type of marijuana use, the drug remains illegal at the federal level. Sessions, an Alabama Republican, opposes marijuana legalization and last year told a Senate hearing that "good people don’t smoke marijuana."
Savino asked Trump to keep the current Justice Department policy that has U.S. attorneys focus on the black market for marijuana that results in drug trafficking, the sale to minors, or diversion to states where pot is not legal rather than go after legally-enacted state programs.
She said New York’s medical marijuana law "created a tightly regulated and strong model that takes very step possible to prevent any diversion or recreational use of medical cannabis."
Only patients with specifically defined illnesses and who are certified by their health care professionals and the state Department of Health can access the program.
"Any abuse of the program could result in criminal charges for patients and health care professionals," Savino wrote.
Perhaps in recognition of Trump’s vow to create jobs, Savino argued the medical marijuana industry will grow jobs and stimulate economic activities and revenue.
In 2014, it’s estimated that between $1.6 billion and $1.98 billion of medical marijuana was sold in the U.S., she wrote. And when factoring in the eight states that have also legalized recreational use, it is expected that will rise to $7 billion and possible exceed $20 billion by 2020.
The sales not only present opportunity for entrepreneurs, but also for needed revenue for states.
"Unnecessary federal restrictions and limitations on it are an unwelcome interference with free commerce," she added.
Savino reiterated that Trump during his campaign often spoke about unnecessary federal regulations and their negative impact on the economy.
"This is a classic example of that," she said.
But even more important than the economic impact is the fact the program is helping thousands of sick and suffering New Yorkers. New York’s program since beginning a year ago has 10,500 patents that have been certified to receive the drug.
"Our New York State medical cannabis program is a carefully and strongly regulated system that provides real relief to patients and their families as well as real economic development to our communities," Savino concluded. "I sincerely hope that we can continue to provide these vital benefits to New Yorkers during your administration."
Trump during the campaign stayed clear of taking a position on the legalization of the recreational use of pot, but voiced support for medical marijuana.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: N.Y. Pol Pens Plea Asking Trump To Prevent Feds From Torching State’s Medical Marijuana Program
Author: Kenneth Lovett
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