1. What is the New York State Association of County Health Officials?

2. Why does the NY Association of County Health Officials oppose New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s push to legalize recreational marijuana in NY?

3. What concern did the Association’s director Sarah Ravenhall express for babies and children if recreational marijuana is legalized?

4. a) What has research shown about the negative effects of marijuana use? Why are county health officials concerned about this?
b) What is hypocritical about the government’s push for legalization, according to Ms. Ravenhall?

5. a) How do governor appointed New York State Health Department officials differ from the County Health Officials in their assessment of the dangers posed by the legalization of recreational marijuana?
b) Who do you think is right? Explain your answer.

6. Before pushing for the legalization of recreational marijuana, Governor Cuomo opposed it, saying it is a “gateway drug.” Why do you think he changed his mind?

CHALLENGE QUESTIONS:
a) Ask at least 2 adults over 40 if they know anyone their age who has used marijuana for a long time and if that person displays any negative side effects. Do they think that person would be better off now if not for long-term marijuana use? (Note: People who smoke marijuana regularly will adamantly argue against the idea that it has any negative effects on anyone.)

b) State governments make large sums of money by legalizing and then taxing marijuana sales. The drug is still illegal under federal law. States ban the sale of cigarettes to people under 18 (and in some cities under 21) as well as banning the sale of alcohol to those under 21.
Do you think state leaders have a responsibility to address the dangers (unintended consequences) posed by legalizing recreational marijuana? Explain your answer.