A bill filed last week in New York would authorize marijuana to be taxed and regulated similar to alcohol, legalizing the plant, and effectively rejecting the federal prohibition on the same.

Senate Bill 1747 (S1747) was introduced on Jan. 14 by State Sens. Liz Krueger (D-28), Martin Dilan (D-18), Brad Hoylman (D-27), Velmanette Montgomery (D-25) and Gustavo Rivera (D-33). If this bill is successful, New York would become the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes through the legislature rather than the popular vote.

SB1747 would amend the alcoholic beverage control law to include marijuana products. The regulations that apply to alcohol would therefore apply to marijuana in the state of New York. Thus, marijuana would be sold by licensed distributors to people aged 21 or older. New York residents would still face potential fines or imprisonment if they possess or distribute marijuana in ways banned under the bill.

The goal of the legislation is to “regulate, control, and tax marihuana in a manner similar to alcohol, generate millions of dollars in new revenue, prevent access to marihuana by those under the age of eighteen years, reduce the illegal drug market and reduce violent crime, reduce the racially disparate impact of existing marihuana laws, allow industrial hemp to be farmed in New York state, and create new industries and increase employment.”

CONSTITUTIONALITY

Congress and the president claim the constitutional authority to ban marijuana. The Supreme Court concurs. However, nearly two-dozen states have taken steps to put the well-being of their citizens above the so-called federal supremacy by legalizing marijuana to varying degrees anyway.

“The rapidly growing and wildly successful state-level movement to legalize marijuana, either completely, or for medical use, proves that states can successfully effectively reject unconstitutional federal acts. The feds can claim the authority to prohibit pot all they want, but it clearly has done nothing to deter states from moving forward with plans to allow it, pushed by the will of the people,” Tenth Amendment Center executive director Michael Boldin said.

The momentum is on our side, but New York cannot legalize it without your help. This effort needs your support to achieve victory. S1747 is currently in the Senate Finance Committee where it will need to successfully pass through before it can receive a full vote.

ACTION ITEMS

If you live in New York, support this bill by following all the action steps at THIS LINK

All Other States, you can still work to fight cannabis prohibition in your state. Call your state legislators and urge them to introduce a bill that fights cannabis prohibition such as our P.E.A.C.E. Act. You can find their contact information HERE.