New Yorkers Want Comprehensive Cannabis Reform

As talks surrounding the legalization or cannabis in the state of New York heat up, a new poll has demonstrated that New Yorkers favor home delivery, cultivation of the plant for personal use, and allowance of retail cultivation facilities to operate in their neighborhoods. 

The Consensus Strategies Poll asked residents of New York to give their opinion on a wide variety of cannabis-related issues. In general, it showed that people in the Empire State want to implement policy change that mostly aligns with current proposals moving through the legislature this session. 

Details of the New York Cannabis Poll 

• 61% of New York adults support recreational cannabis legalization
• 56% of respondents said that they would be OK with having retail marijuana businesses in their neighborhood 
• 53% of respondents said they favor permitting cannabis businesses to deliver products to consumers 
• 52% of respondents said that adults should be able to grow a limited number of plants for personal use 
• 51% of respondents said that those most impacted by the war on drugs should have special licensing priority 
• 50% of respondents said that people with prior convictions for selling cannabis should be able to operate a legal marijuana business 
• 49% of respondents indicated that they would be “likely” or “very likely” to participate in the market 

The Will of New Yorkers Could Be Accomplished in Coming Days 

With the majority of New Yorkers in favor of widespread cannabis reform, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on March 15 that he and the legislature are “very close” to reaching a deal. While the final details of the bill are still yet to be worked out, lawmakers are working hard to address concerns from advocates such as social equity funding and reduction of criminal penalties surrounding the plant. 

Cuomo and legislators hope that the passing of a bill will generate tax revenue for a much-needed boost to the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Contributed by Jack Berning