Senator Fred Akshar releases survey results on legalization of Recreational Marijuana

Senator Fred Akshar released the results of his latest online survey asking constituents to weigh in on the Governor’s proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. Key provisions of the proposal include: Establishing separate licensing programs for marijuana growers, distributors and retailers, with a ban on growers also opening retail shops; Imposing a 20 percent state tax and 2 percent local tax on the sale of the drug from wholesalers to retailers, plus a per-gram tax on growers; Allowing counties and large cities to ban marijuana sales within their boundaries; Banning marijuana sales to anyone under the age of 21.

Executive Budget documents showed no state revenue from marijuana regulation and taxation for the 2020 fiscal year, and $83 million for 2021. Governor Cuomo estimates that legalization would bring in $300 million each year in tax revenue when fully implemented in 2023.

The survey, posted on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov, drew over 2,800 total responses from residents in the 52nd Senate District, across New York State. 

The results showed the following.

Within the 52nd Senate District, 48 percent of respondents support the proposal, 46 percent oppose it and 5 percent are undecided.

Outside of the 52nd Senate District, New York respondents supported the measure 75 percent to 23 percent with 2 percent undecided.

Many in support of legalization cited potential benefits including increased revenue for the state, reduced incarceration rates and reduced addiction and use of harder drugs like heroin.

Opponents of the proposal cited potential dangers of marijuana users driving under the influence, marijuana as a gateway drug to harder drugs like heroin, along with negative affects to public health and safety.

“The people of the 52nd Senate District are largely split on legalizing recreational marijuana, with many passionate individuals in support and opposition of the measure,” said Senator Fred Akshar. 

He added, “More respondents are in favor, and their points are well taken. While I’ll continue listening to those on both sides of the issue, I personally believe that legalizing recreational marijuana will create more problems in our communities than it will solve.”

Akshar asked the same question in his 2018 Community Voice Survey. Of the 8,800 responses in 2018, 55 percent of respondents from the 52nd Senate District opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana, while 37 percent supported it and 9 percent were undecided. 

Throughout the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, Akshar will regularly post new Community Voice Survey questions on Akshar.NYSenate.Gov and publish the results of previously asked questions. 

“No matter my personal views on any issue, it’s important for me to continually allow the people of the 52nd Senate District to weigh in, be heard and share the results,” Akshar said. “It’s about continuing to be open and accountable to the people.”