Thursday, March 25, 2021

RAY McGUIRE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK CITY IN LIGHT OF DEAL REACHED FOR LANDMARK CANNABIS LAW

 

McGuire’s plan focuses on ensuring equity within the cannabis industry, restorative justice for those disproportionately impacted by previous policies, and safety measures for communities.

 Democrat Ray McGuire today released a plan to ensure that New Yorkers - especially those who have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and incarceration - can start businesses and access good jobs in the soon-to-be-legalized adult-use cannabis industry.

While the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act is still being finalized, McGuire outlined a framework for addressing the planning and siting of cannabis retail businesses, and preventing substance use issues and underage cannabis use.

“Communities of color, specifically Black and Latino communities, have been disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of cannabis for generations,” said Ray McGurie. ‘It’s important that this landmark law is leveraged to make these communities whole, not only by expunging records for previous convictions, but also by investing substantially in the communities most impacted and ensuring equity in the legal cannabis industry.”

Ray's Plan to Grow Good, Equitable Cannabis Jobs in NYC will:

  • Create a cannabis opportunity fund through his Comeback Bank;
  • Launch a Citywide mentorship and workforce training program for cannabis;
  • Invest in incubators for cannabis startups;
  • Make affordable space available for cannabis businesses;
  • Secure passage of the SAFE Banking Act.

Ray also believes that the city and state have a responsibility to balance the opportunity of adult-use cannabis and the concerns of community members. As mayor, Ray commits to:

  • Fighting to ensure local control over zoning and siting decisions around cannabis businesses, and using that authority to provide communities with a voice in what types of businesses are permitted in their neighborhoods;
  • Ensuring that cannabis retail businesses are not opened in close proximity to schools, childcare centers, or houses of worship;
  • Working with health experts, educators, and parents to implement best-in-class cannabis abuse prevention programs targeted at young people; 
  • Using cannabis tax revenue to invest in expanded treatment programs through the NYC Health + Hospitals system and at private operators with proven records of success;
  • Empowering the NYPD and community organizations with both the resources and technology to prevent unlawful driving under the influence of cannabis.

 

No comments:

Post a Comment