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Gov. Andrew Cuomo today signed a bill legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for people 21 and over in New York State, action that will be the subject of much debate until and following the new laws implementation, which is expected in about 18 months.

The Batavian reached out to local government representatives, substance use prevention professionals, hemp producers and retailers, law enforcement and the chair of the Genesee County Libertarian Party for their thoughts on New York becoming the 15th state with legal recreational marijuana.

Chris Van Dusen, president, Empire Hemp Co., Liberty Square, Batavia:

I think it is really exciting news. The legislation that they have come up with, I think is pretty fair and it doesnt cut out the potential for small businesses to get into the industry. I think it is a good plan, and the taxation is not too out of control on it.

I am looking forward to expanding our business into the rec market through another corporation that we will start not Empire Hemp Co. but we will plan on being involved in a processing capacity.

Van Dusen said the facility in Liberty Square is for processing where we turn all of the raw hemp into CBD oil and he is close to opening a retail store on Main Street.

When asked about the legislation having safeguards against marijuana getting into minors hands, he said he believes that a new Office of Cannabis Management will implement guidelines similar to what are in place for alcohol use.

And I think that a lot of the tax dollars will be going back into treatment programs and social programs, and that will be a benefit to the community as well, he said.

The law, which was passed on party line voting in the Democratic Party-controlled Assembly and Senate on Tuesday, calls for a 13-percent excise tax, with 1 percent going to the county and 3 percent earmarked for the municipality (town, city, village) of the dispensary.

The growers and the processors are going to get into it, theres going to be an upfront investment. But as far as the end user costs at the retail level, I dont think its going to be much outside what you are seeing in the other legal states as far as what you get for what price or, frankly, what you find on the black market. I think it hopefully will take more out of the black market having it regulated like this will allow for a cleaner, safer product thats regulated versus whats coming off the street imported from who knows where.

Batavia City Manager Rachael Tabelski:

Without having a chance to read the entire bill yet, I can safely say that if there were a dispensary within the City of Batavia, it is my understanding that the city would gain 3 percent of the tax revenue related to that dispensary.

That certainly is a brand-new revenue source but it is all hypothetical until you have one. I want to continue to read through the legislation and well be working with NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors) the citys association. So, well wait and see what their guidance looks like. The local level does have some decisions to make in this. We dont have any decision-making on adult use, but we do have decision-making on whether the city allows for a dispensary and then we can regulate the times, place and manner through local zoning.

Whether Batavia has a distribution point in the city or not, people will now be allowed to use it per the regulations and guidelines that came out. If that is the case, it might warrant a legislative choice (by City Council) to be made or the choice to do nothing, and just let it happen. I certainly will be getting information to City Council to help them understand the legislation and how communities align with the legislation.

Theres growing, theres retail and theres use. No matter what happens with the growing and the retail, there is going to be use in our city. Its going to happen, in that, if we have the ability to bring in revenue, that may be an option for us. We certainly will have some growing pains associated with legalized use and, especially, kind of the edible product that might be included in this.

Shannon Ford, director of Prevention, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse:

From a Prevention perspective, Im very concerned about this.Legalizing marijuana will have a negative impact on our youth for sure.Although youth will not be able to use marijuana legally, we know there will be an increase in access if the adults in their lives are possessing and using it.

In addition, over the last couple of years, youth perception of harm of smoking marijuana has decreased.With more media messages and legalization/commercialization, I anticipate the perceived risk of harm will further be reduced. Both access and a decreased perception of harm will likely increase youth marijuana use.

As it is legalized for adult use where it will be monitored for purity, youth will still be seeking it on the streets, where we know there is a higher potential of risk.

Mark Potwora, Genesee County Libertarian Party chair:

My opinion -- and I would say it is the opinion of the Libertarian Party -- is that it is something that should have been legal a long time ago, and for some reason, what was not legal years ago is legal now. A lot of people suffered because of marijuana laws (on the books). A lot of families and 18-, 19-, 20-year-old kids got a marijuana charge that kind of ruined their lives for a while.

The problem I have with the legalization of the whole thing is that theyre doing it for the wrong reasons. Theyre doing it because they want money. They want to raise revenue. Theyre not doing it because its the right thing to do. That kind of bothers me, but Im glad that theyre legalizing it.

Potwora compared marijuana use to alcohol use.

Its just like alcohol. It shouldnt be administered to young kids and there is an age limit. And, along the lines of medical marijuana -- which a lot of people have it is not a negative. Its probably a good thing. Whoever smokes marijuana or pot now, I dont think theyre going to create a whole new industry of pot smokers. If you didnt smoke it before because its so easy to get I dont see any big problem coming up that they arent already addressing.

He also said the current marijuana laws give police an in to search people.

They (police) say, Oh youre smoking pot. Come here, I want to pat you down. And they always took it farther and farther. This is one less thing for them to have a reasonable cause to mess with you, I guess.

Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Genesee Orleans Public Health educator:

Public Health has had a standing position in opposition of legalization of marijuana in New York State for several years.Our state association, The New York State Association of County Health Officials, officially has maintained opposition to legalized adult use of cannabis, based on the quantifiable adverse impact it will have on public health.

She then offered the following bullet points for consideration:

Jeremy Almeter and Pavel Belov, co-owners, Glass Roots, 12 Center St., Batavia:

"While today is certainly a step in the right direction, we are still far from declaring this our 'milestoned' moment. We at Glass Roots have been committed to destigmatizing and normalizing cannabis for over 15 years. By building trust and serving our community, we have seen there are no applicable stereotypes for cannabis usage.

Recreational cannabis is a misleading term; adult-use is what we are truly achieving today. This legislation specifically addresses and builds the foundation for an infrastructure, which ensures that cannabis products will be handled in a safe and secure manner from seed to sale.

The fight has just begun. Access to plants and the many benefits they offer us and our animal friends is a basic right. To all the people who grew up indoctrinated with lies that compare cannabis to heroin use or its gateway -- we are here to say the light at the end of the tunnel is upon us.

Moving forward, we plan on working closely with community leaders to cultivate a safe and educational environment for cannabis culture within Genesee County.

Glass Roots is an on-site glass-blowing facility that sells art pieces as well as CBD oils and other hemp products.

An email and phone call to Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr. were not returned at the time of the posting of this story.

More about the todays legalization, called the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act:

Excerpt from:
Marijuana use debate takes new twist now that NYS has legalized recreational use for adults - The Batavian

Published: 3/25/2021 1:31:57 PM

Modified: 3/25/2021 1:31:55 PM

MASSACHUSETTS A pair of North Quabbin voices joined a chorus of nearly 40 fellow Libertarians statewide, who gathered Saturday for the third-partys annual state convention.

The Libertarian Association of Massachusetts (LAMA) State Convention 2021 convened remotely on March 20 to nominate and elect officers, vote on resolutions and discuss increased political progress. According to a press release, the five-hour convention was visited by prominent national figures as well, including the partys 2020 Presidential running mate, Jeremy Spike Cohen, and National Libertarian Committee Chair Joe Bishop-Henchman.

Charles Larkin of Athol and Ann Reed of Orange served on the days ad hoc Resolution Committee, and Larkin was also re-elected as LAMA Archivist. Both Reed and Larkin also serve on a local LAMA affiliate, the Libertarian Party of Worcester County (LPWC), which formed last year and meets monthly by remote.

Worcester County residents interested in possibly joining LPWC may contact affiliate chair and LAMA Communications Director, Janel Holmes at communications@lpmass.org or Larkin at 978-248-9899.

Franklin County residents interested in possibly forming their own affiliate may contact LAMA Political Director Michael Burns at political@lpmass.org.

Detailed information on the Libertarian party, which espouses self-ownership and non-aggression, is accessible at https://www.lpmass.org.

LAMA is the Massachusetts affiliate of the National Libertarian Party. As noted at Saturdays state convention, 2021 marks the partys 50th anniversary.

More here:
N. Quabbin represented at political state convention, as growing third-party marks 50th anniversary - Athol Daily News

Former U.S. Rep. Justin Amash will be keynote speaker for the NH Libertarian Partys annual convention. Courtesy Photo

CONCORD, NH The Libertarian Party of New Hampshires annual convention is taking place this weekend March 19 21 at the Holiday Inn, North Main St. in Concord. Party members will elect Executive Committee members for the coming year, as well as considering changes to the Bylaws and Platform.

Justin Amash will be the Keynote Speaker during the Banquet Saturday night. He will be speaking remotely from Michigan and his keynote will be followed by a Q&A session. Amash, former U.S. Representative from Michigans 3rd Congressional District was elected and served as a Republican for nine years before joining the Libertarian Party in 2020. Amash was the highest-seated Libertarian in the partys history. He was the founder and chair of the House Liberty Caucus, saying his votes reflect Limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty.

Tara DeSisto, Development Director of the National Libertarian National Committee, and Cara Shultz, Candidate Recruitment Specialist for the LNC, are slated to be featured speakers.

A social mixer is open to all Friday night and media is welcome to attend the business sessions of the convention Saturday & Sunday.

Related

Read more:
March 19-21: Libertarian Party of NH convention with keynote from former US Rep. Justin Amash - Manchester Ink Link

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The Republican Committee for Armstrong, Butler and Indiana counties has nominated Abby Major as their candidate to run for former state Rep. Jeff Pyles seat.

The Democrats committee was scheduled to vote on its candidate Thursday evening.

A special election for Pyles seat will be held on the same day as the primary election, May 18. The winner of the special election will serve through next year.

A longtime lawmaker from Ford City, Pyle retired suddenly because of health issues earlier this month. He had just begun his ninth, two-year term in January.

Pyle endorsed Major, his chief of staff.

Obviously I am so honored that they picked me and grateful to be given the opportunity, said Major, 36, of Ford City. Prior to her working for Pyle, Major was an Iraqi war veteran who served as an Army intelligence analyst.

Major said she already started her campaign. She looks forward to meeting constituents and getting them out to vote.

She was among five candidates considered Wednesday night by the Republication committees. The candidates included Armstrong County Commissioner Don Myers, Anthony Shea, Jack Bowser and North Buffalo Township Supervisor Michael Valencic, according to Michael Baker of East Franklin, chair of the Armstrong County Republican Committee.

Baker said the turnout of five candidates so quickly after Pyle announced his retirement shows the enthusiasm for the Republican Party.

The committee conferees, with about 25 voting by secret ballot Wednesday night, unanimously endorsed Major, according to Baker. The conferees were impressed by Majors 12 years of experience in a state legislative office and her military background, he said.

Libertarian candidate named

On Tuesday night, the Libertarian Party endorsed Drew Hreha, 22, of North Apollo to run for the seat.

The Libertarian Party of Armstrong and Butler counties met Tuesday night online. They interviewed and nominated Hreha, said Sam Robb of Frazer, the Western vice chair for the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania.

Hreha is a senior at Waynesburg University and editor of the campus newspaper, The Yellow Jacket.

We spent about 45 minutes asking Drew questions and learned how well he lined up with Libertarian values, and we are very satisfied, Robb said.

Libertarians account for about 1% to 2% of registered voters in most counties, he said.

Hreha said he hopes to bring a younger perspective to the General Assembly.

As a Libertarian, I can work both sides of the aisle, he said.

Hreha is looking to limit the state governors powers and to better protect the Second Amendment at the state level.

Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Mary at 724-226-4691, mthomas@triblive.com or via Twitter .

Categories:Local | Top Stories | Valley News Dispatch

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Former state Rep. Jeff Pyle's staffer wins GOP nomination for special election, Dems choose Thursday night - TribLIVE

A grade six classroom awaits students at Hunters Glen Junior Public School in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, September 14, 2020.(Nathan Denette/Reuters)

Charlie Cooke is a friend and a treasured colleague, but I am finding it a little difficult to launch the next volley in the conversation about education policy, because I dont think Charlie has really written a response to my piece.

Instead, Charlie has offered up some simple-minded applause lines (Thereis nothing wrong with the Department of Education that could not be solved with a tactical nuclear strike) that do not address the substance of my argument and that are based on an unmerited metaphysical certitude that the U.S. government simply cannot produce or implement useful education policy. The United States is not an especially well-governed country, and I do not expect it to achieve the level of bureaucratic competence that we might expect of a Denmark or a Switzerland, but it has from time to time shown itself able to develop and implement policy in a programmatic way. It isnt Norway, but it isnt Pakistan, either.

That the United States could address in a meaningful way the complex issue of education simply by shuttering a federal department and patting itself on the back for a job well done is precisely the kind of thinking that has made todays Republican Party the intellectual powerhouse we all know and admire so deeply. If I were in the market for that kind of thing . . . I think I have a number for Rick Perry around here somewhere.

The U.S. government has a rich and complex relationship with education, especially with institutions of higher education. That means it has to make decisions about what sorts of things it will fund, encourage, or, at certain extremes, even allow. There are better and worse ways to make those decisions. Pretending that these issues can simply be ignored out of existence is the worst kind of nave libertarianism.

For example, Chinas rising eminence as a funder of and collaborator in research around the world, including in partnership with such important U.S. allies as the United Kingdom, presents real questions and challenges for the U.S. government challenges that are not going to be resolved by saying, Let the free market take care of it. I am a big, big fan of letting the free market take care of economic questions, but there are non-economic questions in play, too.

Whether there exists something called the Department of Education or whether these endeavors are organized in some other way, the policymaking and implementation are not going to be carried out by Smurfs, wizards, or libertarian unicorns with rainbows for manes. You could make education policy in the Department of Defense (one of the few federal departments that conservatives broadly trust), or you could make it at Treasury or Commerce or hand it off to the Federal Reserve, in which case you simply will have created an education department in disguise. The basic issues and the need for positive engagement with them do not go away, for the same reason that you cant cause an earthquake by shaking a desktop globe.

Dissolving the DOE as it exists might be a useful or even necessary administrative measure, but it would hardly render the underlying issues resolved. And conservatives are going to need something more than nuke-the-DOE banalities to deal with those issues if conservativism is to be something more than a rhetoric and a countercultural posture something more than words about words.

See the article here:
Education and Naive Libertarianism - National Review