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So perhaps the most persuasive reason for the new legalization drive was the undeniable fact that the enforcement of the marijuana laws fell disproportionally on communities of color.
For decades the enforcement of marijuana prohibition was undeniably racist and communities of color paid the price, in a country where a black person was 3.73 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession on average.
So any fair-minded person can see pluses and minuses on either side of the issue, which is why it s clear to me that cash and not principle was the decisive factor.
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But with legalized marijuana “we are unleashing a new beast,” New York State Police Chief Mathew Nielsen told the press this weekend. Because just like with alcohol someone under the influence of marijuana may think they are fine to drive but that’s not true. “They may think they are more focused but they are not,” he said.
MPNnow
What happens if you smoke pot and drive? Since New York state this week approved adult use of recreational marijuana, local law enforcement faces new challenges and road safety is the biggest concern.
With legalized marijuana, “now we are unleashing a new beast here,” said Canandaigua Police Chief Mathew Nielsen.
Nielsen likened the situation to the 1980s and ‘90s after it became increasingly clear that drinking and driving don’t mix. As with alcohol, Nielsen said someone under the influence of marijuana may think they are fine to drive but that’s not true. “They may think they are more focused but they are not,” he said.