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This guest column is from Cynthia Saarie, a cannabis advocate and CEO of All SEO Copy Agency. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of NY Cannabis Insider.
Dear Governor Hochul,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the current policy that prohibits the consumption of cannabis and tobacco products within the NYS Fairgrounds. While I appreciate your intentions to protect individuals under the age of 21 from exposure, I believe that the current treatment of cannabis industry dispensaries and growers at the NYS Fair is inequitable and discriminatory.
The principle of equality is fundamental in ensuring that all industries are treated fairly and justly. I believe the current policy unfairly targets the cannabis industry while allowing the alcohol industry to operate without similar restrictions. I understand that the safety and well-being of young individuals are paramount, but a more balanced approach could be employed to achieve the desired outcome.
If alcohol, beer, and wine can be served in various tents across the fairgrounds, I urge you to consider implementing a similar system for cannabis products. Creating a designated area, cordoned off from minors and overseen by age verification measures, would ensure that individuals of legal age can enjoy these products responsibly while preventing access by those under 21. This approach would promote fairness and equality among all industries at the fairgrounds, although I believe this idea would not be acceptable to beer and wine vendors.
It is important to note that the cannabis industry has the potential to contribute significantly to the state’s revenue through taxation. By allowing legitimate cannabis businesses to participate fully in events like the NYS Fair, you could tap into a new source of revenue that would benefit both the state and local communities.
I understand that this issue is complex, and decisions must balance the interests of various stakeholders. However, I believe that equitable treatment of all industries at the NYS Fairgrounds would be just and economically beneficial.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective. I hope that you will review the current policies and work towards a solution that embraces fairness, equality, and the best interests of New York State.