New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced on Wednesday a partnership between the two states to develop uniform regional policies on legal cannabis and e-cigarettes.
“We are serious in this state about legalizing recreational use of marijuana, but it has to be done right,” said Governor Cuomo. “At the same time the federal government has refused to step up during this vaping crisis, so it is up to the states to develop policies that will help keep people safe.”
Governor Cuomo says that policies that govern vaping products and recreational cannabis will require regional symmetry so that they are consistent between New York and Connecticut.
In addition to a common border, Governor Lamont says that New York and Connecticut share economic interests, public health priorities, and a mutual understanding that the more that states work together on issues, the better the final policies will be for residents.
“Every day thousands of New Yorkers travel over the border to work in Connecticut, and thousands of Connecticut commuters rely on New York for their livelihood,” said Governor Lamont. “To that end, it’s common sense for our states to be aligned in numerous policy areas. Governor Cuomo and I have the chance to be leaders together on these issues of public importance, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
Policymakers, state health officials, and law enforcement representatives from New York and Connecticut will be meeting on October 17 for a summit where they will develop principles and guidelines for vaping oversight and cannabis legalization.
The summit will examine various factors that will influence policies on products that cannabis and e-cigarette consumers bring across state lines.
Adult-use cannabis topics will include taxation, advertising, roadside testing, banking, equity considerations, and product safety and testing.
