Senator Cooney Co-Sponsors 2021 Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act 

(Rochester, NY) Senator Jeremy Cooney (Rochester-SD56) announced that he is co-sponsoring S.854, the “Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act” (MRTA), authored by Senator Liz Krueger (Manhattan-SD28) in the Senate and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes (Buffalo-AD141). The MRTA is widely recognized as the most ambitious and progressive marijuana legalization proposal in New York.

Senator Cooney, recently named Senate Co-Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus’ (BPHA) Marijuana Task Force, “New York must legalize recreational marijuana use for adults, but only in a way that invests in historically impacted communities,'' said Senator Cooney, “Black and brown New Yorkers have felt the harmful effects of over policing for low level drug offenses for decades, and any effort at legalization must address these historical wrongs. If you are Black in Monroe County, you are 16 times more likely to be arrested for a marijuana offense than if you’re white. The MRTA is the best proposal to combat these past harms, and we’re committed to getting it passed this year.”

Senator Cooney has spoken extensively about the need for equitable marijuana legislation in the past, and remains a strong supporter of legalizing recreational marijuana in a way that reduces harm while creating new businesses, quality jobs, and stimulates both rural and urban economies.

“It is long past time for New York State to catch up with our neighbors and legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use marijuana - but the way we do it matters,” said Senator Liz Krueger, the bill’s sponsor. “The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act is focused on providing economic opportunities and reinvesting in those communities disproportionately impacted by the failed policies of prohibition. I am grateful to Senator Cooney for signing on as a co-sponsor. His support brings us one step closer to getting the job done and doing it right.”

"We heartily welcome Senator Cooney's co-sponsorship of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) and his leadership as the co-chair of the NY State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus Marijuana Task Force," said Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance. "Ending the criminalization of marijuana and establishing a new industry centered on economic and racial justice is imperative for Rochester, which has borne the brunt of decades of extreme racial  disparities in marijuana enforcement. The Senator's commitment to social equity and community reinvestment make him a tremendous champion for marijuana justice for all of New York."

Roc NORML, the Rochester Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, has partnered with Senator Cooney since he was a first-time candidate in 2018.

“Senator Cooney was one of the first local candidates dedicated to learning about and supporting marijuana legalization rooted in justice, equity, and reinvestment back in 2018. We are thrilled to have him as a leader on marijuana reform in the Senate,” Mary Kruger, Founder and Executive Director of Roc NORML. “We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cooney to make sure we pass smart legislation to legalize cannabis for adult-use in New York while  advocating for this issue on behalf of Rochester.”