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Andrew Cuomo on Drugs
Democratic Governor
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Let's create cannabis industry
Legalize adult-used cannabis. Stop the disproportionate criminal impact on communities of color. And let's create an industry that empowers the
poor communities that pay the price and not the rich corporations who come in to make a profit.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the New York legislature
, Jan 15, 2019
Criminalize synthetic marijuana and designer drugs
A 2012 Order for Summary Action effectively banning the sale of bath salts and synthetic marijuana in New York State. Known as "designer drugs," because they are synthetically manufactured compounds chemically similar to naturally occurring narcotics and
hallucinogens, bath salts and synthetic marijuana can be extremely dangerous substances linked to poisoning, accidental death and suicide. [The state] outlawed the manufacture, distribution, sale and possession of bath salts and synthetic marijuana.
This made law enforcement part of the solution, even if manufacturers make alterations to the drug's chemical structure.We must make designer drugs like bath salts & synthetic marijuana Schedule I drugs--on par with heroin, LSD, marijuana, & ecstasy.
Therefore, Governor Cuomo will propose legislation to criminalize the sale and possession of these substances, and ensure our laws give us the flexibility to immediately tackle the next iteration of designer drugs so not a single life is lost.
Source: NY Rising 2013 State of the State booklet
, Jan 9, 2013
Decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana
Andrew Cuomo is asking state legislators to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana that are in public view. Saying the aim was to avoid unnecessary misdemeanor charges against thousands of
New Yorkers--"disproportionately black and Hispanic youth," according to a statement from the governor's office--the legislation "brings consistency and fairness" to New York's marijuana laws."There is a blatant inconsistency.
If you possess marijuana privately it is a violation, if you show it in public it's a crime. It's incongruous. It's inconsistent the way it has been enforced,"
Cuomo told reporters at a press conference in Albany on Monday.
Source: CNN.com coverageL "Decriminalize Possession"
, Jun 4, 2012
One strike & you’re out drug policy for public housing
The Supreme Court affirmed the government’s zero-tolerance anti-drug policy for tenants of public housing. The “one strike and you’re out” policy upheld by the court applies even if tenants were unaware of drug use by their children or grandchildren
listed on the lease. The challenge was brought by four senior citizens who received eviction notices. The evictions were authorized under regulations implemented in 1996, when Andrew Cuomo was Housing and Urban Development secretary.
Source: Gaylord Shaw, Newsday
, Mar 27, 2002
Rated C- by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance.
Cuomo scores C- by the NORML on drug reform
OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:
- C-/D/F: "hard-on-drugs" stance (approx. 243 members)
- C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
- A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)
About NORML (from their website, www.norml.org): National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.
NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.
NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession
& responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called "decriminalization."
NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as "legalization."
NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.
NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.
Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.
Source: NORML website 16_NORML on Nov 8, 2016
Page last updated: Mar 09, 2019
