SU Students React to the Legalization of Marijuana in NY

By Chilekasi Adele

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for people aged 21 and over in New York State. 

The historic ratification made the Empire State the fifteenth in the country to fully green-light the use of cannabis. 

Also included in the bill is a provision allowing tax revenue from marijuana sales to invest in areas historically hurt the most by marijuana prohibition. 

“I think… doing steps to, essentially put an end to the war on drugs is really good, especially… when there’s been a ton of research showing it’s not an addictive drug,” said Freshman Michael Leyne. 

The bill also includes the automatic erasing of previous marijuana convictions that would now be legal. 

“I mean, obviously, people… like minorities were definitely subject to like worse treatment in the past, with smaller amounts of weed even… but, now I think this is definitely a step in the right direction,” SU student Jackson Magann said.

Recreational sales of marijuana aren’t set to begin until April 1st of next year, but some lawmakers warn that it could take even longer to get things fully up and running. For some, the wait is still worth it. 

“I mean… people have been waiting for this since the ‘80s… and the ‘70s, or even before that. So, another year… another year or two… just because it’s gonna take longer doesn’t mean it shouldn’t happen,” said Sophomore Michael Leyne.