Around the nation and in New York, talk has turned from “if” to “when” and “how” marijuana may be made legal for recreational use. Even if Republicans manage to keep control of the state Senate, there are likely to be enough among them who understand why it is so important for New York to avoid the usual Albany impasse — stubbornly refusing to bring this issue to a vote — and give it the thorough examination it deserves.
Republicans were very involved when it came to the medicinal use of marijuana and the expansion to recreational use is both the logical next step and one that is being dictated by forces outside the control of state officials.
To start with, we are surrounded by a legal marijuana industry. Recreational use is legal with a variety of restrictions in Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. New Jersey is seriously considering legalization. It became legal in Canada on Wednesday.