Lawmakers in New York are facing backlash. They are celebrating reaching £830M Cannabis Sales in New York nearly four years after legalising marijuana. Critics, led by Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), accuse leaders of ignoring mounting evidence. This evidence highlights public health and social harms tied to high-potency cannabis products. SAM, co-founded by former Representative Patrick J. Kennedy, has labelled the £830M Cannabis Sales in New York milestone a “celebration of addiction” and an “addiction-for-profit scheme.”

Dr. Kevin Sabet, President of SAM and a former Obama Administration official, questioned the ethics of celebrating cannabis sales. “Can you imagine if the state was celebrating £830M in tobacco sales?” he asked, highlighting the parallels between marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol in terms of health consequences. According to same critics, state regulators’ endorsement of industry profits raises concerns about prioritising commercial interests over public health.

Public health experts point to alarming data. Cannabis-related emergency department visits have surged by 44% in New York in recent years, and drugged driving incidents are on the rise, confirmed by the State Police. Schools are also grappling with increased drug-related offences, with many students struggling with the effects of cannabis use.

Proponents of legalisation positioned the cannabis industry as a path to social equity and economic growth, especially for marginalised groups. However, the state has delivered these promises in a limited way. Of the 150 planned “social equity” dispensaries, only 21 have opened statewide, and unlicensed dispensaries now dominate, with an estimated 3,000 illicit stores in New York City alone. Meanwhile, Black communities, disproportionately impacted by drug-related harms, accounted for 39% of marijuana treatment admissions in 2022, revealing growing inequalities.

Concerns extend to the increasing potency of modern cannabis products, which experts link to psychosis, depression, addiction, and other mental health risks. Still, the Hochul Administration and state officials focus on promoting sales rather than addressing these deepening issues. “Pot profiteers are preying on the vulnerable, especially young people,” Sabet concluded, urging leaders to rethink their approach before more damage is done.

Source: Learn About Sam