GENESEO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Law enforcement in Livingston County expressed their concerns over the pending legalization of marijuana because they believe it will have a negative impact on public safety.
Thursday's press conference in Livingston County was one of several that were held around the state with sheriff's departments who are worried that the passage of recreational marijuana use for adults will result in an increase in traffic accidents and have a negative impact on fiscal matters.
"Their traffic deaths have doubled when tested for marijuana from (2013) to (2017)," he said. "Again, very troubling statistics. 151 percent increase after marijuana was legalized related to the traffic deaths."
He also said conducting roadside tests such as a field sobriety test is more difficult with the legalization of marijuana because there's no clear protocol given for officers and whether they'll be able to determine on-the-spot if someone is under the influence. Dougherty also said K-9 units will be affected.
In Colorado, the data from the studied showed that law enforcement and prosecutors are still pursuing cases against black market activity and that organized crime cases have generally increased since 2008. Regarding DUI and traffic deaths, Colorado State Patrol showed a 15 percent decrease in DUI cases from 2014 to 2017, a 66 percent increase in trained drug recognition experts (129 in 2012 to 214 in 2018), and an increase in traffic deaths from 55 in 2013 to 139 in 2017.
The Colorado study also showed a steady increase in the rate of hospitalization due to marijuana exposure from 2000 through 2015, though it generally flattened out from 2014 to 2017. It said that marijuana has not seen an impact on high school graduation and drop-out rates.
The New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo have had different opinions on marijuana's legalization and some believe that marijuana will not be a part of the budget negotiations.
