Crime statistics from the FBI show that more than 620,000 Americans were arrested in 2014 for possession of marijuana.
That works out to nearly 1,700 arrests every day more than one every minute. New York City spent more than $75 million in 2010 to arrest and incarcerate individuals just for possessing marijuana, mostly small amounts, according to a 2011 report by the Drug Policy Alliance.
Citing the 2012 findings of a Human Rights Watch document, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo points out in his State of the State book this year that about 90 percent of these people had no subsequent felonies. He believes its time for New York to decriminalize the possession of marijuana.
The illegal sale of marijuana cannot and will not be tolerated in New York state, but data consistently show that recreational users of marijuana pose little to no threat to public safety. The unnecessary arrest of these individuals can have devastating economic and social effects on their lives. Individuals can miss work, be fired, establish a record that prevents them from finding work in the future and spend time in jail awaiting trial if they are unable to post bail, according to Mr. Cuomos State of the State book. Continuing the governors commitment to reduce the number of nonviolent individuals who become needlessly entangled in the criminal justice system, Gov. Cuomo will advance legislation amending the states marijuana drug laws by removing the criminal penalties that too often result in the over-prosecution and jailing of nonviolent individuals. This measure reflects the national trend and dramatic shift in public opinion. Whereas other states have sought the full legalization of marijuana, this legislative change will specifically affect individual users and not reduce penalties on those who illegally supply and sell marijuana.
Mr. Cuomos proposal is reasonable and deserves strong consideration by the state Legislature. He limits decriminalization to the possession and use of marijuana. Those who supply or sell marijuana to others would continue to be subject to arrest and prosecution under state law.
The governor is correct that this trend is becoming more widespread among states throughout the country. The results of the general election in November bear witness to this.
Voters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada approved legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Medical cannabis measures were approved in Arkansas, Florida and North Dakota. A ballot initiative in Montana reduced some regulations on medical cannabis.
Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C. now authorize both recreational marijuana and medical cannabis use. States permitting only medical cannabis use are Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Vermont.
The state-by-state process is likely to eventually pressure the federal government to amend its laws regarding how it categorizes marijuana. It makes little sense to permit an intoxicating substance like alcohol to be legally consumed while prohibiting the possession of marijuana.
States like New York also must contemplate how much it costs to arrest and incarcerate people who use marijuana. Is it really worth the money spent to detain, prosecute and imprison individuals who, for the most part, are otherwise productive citizens? Wouldnt it be better to use these financial resources elsewhere where theyll truly ensure public safety?
We know much more today about marijuana than we did decades ago when these laws were passed, and its time to revise them. State legislators should take up Mr. Cuomos proposal and pass a bill to this effect.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Reefer Gladness – Cuomo Urges Legislators To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession
Author: Staff
Contact: Watertown Daily Times
Photo Credit: Dreamstime
Website: Watertown Daily Times
