Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Now that New York State lawmakers have struck a deal to legalize recreational marijuana, the next question is when will it be available for consumers?
Not so fast, said Assemblywoman Monica Wallace (D-Cheektowaga). "This legislation, if it passes next week, would set up the regulatory structure and an office of Cannabis Management. It's just a framework." There is still the process of licensing, applications, and traffic safety to name a few outstanding issues.
"I would say even if we legalize it this year, it will probably be at least 18 months before we see the legislation go into effect," said Wallace.
There needs to be a study to address what levels of THC is considered under the influence when driving.
"I've had discussions about this. I have a little more comfort now. Under the framework, there will be opt-out provisions for municipalities. If a municipality does not want a dispensary in their village of town, they have the ability to turn it down. They would also have the ability to regulate the distance of a dispensary to a school, for example," said Wallace.
There is no breathalyzer test for marijuana, but Wallace says other states have implemented Drug Recognition Experts. They're trained to spot impairment. "My understanding is there will be money to train DRE officers so that they're available right away. If a determination is made that a person appears to be under the influence, then they would able to get a blood sample to confirm that.
Governor Andrew Cuomo's office estimates that a legal cannabis program could pull in about $350 million a year for New York State once fully implemented.
Wallace also discussed with WBEN the Assembly's impeachment investigation into Governor Cuomo. And she reacted to the expected nomination of Trini Ross to the U.S. Attorneys Office of Western New York. She has known Ross both professionally and personally for almost 20 years.
