ALBANY — The Green Party of New York called today for the State legislature to legalize the use of marijuana, including repealing existing laws criminalizing possession and use. Governor Cuomo and state lawmakers have recently said that legalization is unlikely to occur this session partially due to opposition by suburban Democratic legislators.

The Greens, who have advocated for legalization for decades, said that the Democrats must ensure economic equity while allowing for home growing and preventing the use of pesticides and genetic engineering.

Green Party of New York

www.gpny.org

For Immediate Release

June 5, 2019

Contacts:

Peter LaVenia, Co-chair, GPNY chair2@gpny.org or 518-495-8001

Gloria Mattera, Co-chair, GPNY chair@gpny.org or 917-886-4538

"It is time for the Democrats to deliver on the progressive agenda including legalization that they promised New York voters. Democrats instead act like your typical bait-and-switch fast-talking salesman, always ready with excuses as to why the advertised product isn't available but we can sell you an inferior product at a higher price," said Paul Gilman, Green Party state committee member and legalization advocate.

A Quinnipiac Poll released last month showed the New York voters support the legalization of marijuana by almost 2-to-1.

The Greens want Economic Equity in the recreational marijuana industry. To create the economic space for this and for small local businesses, the Greens advocate for the banning of Pharmaceutical companies, tobacco, liquor and big agribusiness from participating in NY's cannabis industry. Economic Equity means that the communities hit hardest by the war on cannabis get priorities when it comes to licensing, small business loans, and access to start-up capital which can include subsidies. Women and Black owned cannabis business have to be covered in any Economic Equity Plans and individuals who were convicted of marijuana offenses should be given priority in the allocation of licenses.

The Green Party said that homegrown-not-for-sale cannabis should not be taxed. Individuals should be able to grow up to ninety-nine plants if they want, which is far more than the six plant limit the Democrats favor. Greens want commercial cannabis products to be taxed at the same rate as other equivalent products.