Coastal Flood STATEMENT in effect for:
Southern Nassau, NY
Southwest Suffolk, NY
Rockville Centre rally rejects legal marijuana in NY
Posted: Updated:A rally held Friday in Rockville Centre rejected the idea of legalized marijuana sales in New York state.
A coalition of Long Island educators, religious leaders and anti-drug advocates are asking state lawmakers to just say no to legalizing recreational marijuana. The group says giving weed the green light will jeopardize public safety, have a negative effect on users' mental and physical health and lead to increased use among youth.
"Our goal here today is to let elected officials know that the voters on Long Island do not want this passed," says Abu Edwards, director of government affairs for Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Both Nassau and Suffolk counties have declared the intent to opt out of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to fully legalize marijuana. This week, Cuomo dropped the proposal from the state budget, calling it too complicated an issue to tackle before the budget deadline of April 1. But on Friday, he had a change of heart, saying he wants it back in the budget.
The rally was held outside the office of state Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who says he's still exploring the issue.
Some parents who spoke with News 12 say they don't think legalizing marijuana would help Long Island's drug problem.
Medical marijuana remains legal in New York state for patients who are certified by medical practitioners as having serious conditions, under the Compassionate Care Act.
Read more:
Nassau report doubles down on opting out of legal pot sales
Nassau, Suffolk county executives plan to opt out if New York legalizes pot
Curran touts accomplishments, says no legal pot sales in State of the County
NewsMore>>
Huntington Hospital nurse dies from COVID-19
Huntington Hospital nurse dies from COVID-19
John Abruzzo had worked at the hospital since 2002, when he started out as a security officer. He became a nurse in 2007.John Abruzzo had worked at the hospital since 2002, when he started out as a security officer. He became a nurse in 2007.Man killed when car crashes into building in Greenvale
Man killed when car crashes into building in Greenvale
Officials say a man was killed when his car crashed into a building in Greenvale Saturday night.Officials say a man was killed when his car crashed into a building in Greenvale Saturday night.Large gathering broken up in Woodmere; organizer summoned
Large gathering broken up in Woodmere; organizer summoned
Officials say authorities were called to a storefront around noon on West Broadway.Officials say authorities were called to a storefront around noon on West Broadway.Crowd control: Walmart limiting amount of shoppers in stores
Crowd control: Walmart limiting amount of shoppers in stores
Walmart still wants customers, just fewer of them at a time as the U.S. grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.Walmart still wants customers, just fewer of them at a time as the U.S. grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.Isles announcer Brendan Burke using his voice to raise money for area charities
Isles announcer Brendan Burke using his voice to raise money for area charities
Islanders play-by-play man Brendan Burke can't call games since the NHL season is on hold, so instead he's using his voice to raise more than $1,300 so far for local charities by using the website Cameo to send messages to Islanders fans.Islanders play-by-play man Brendan Burke can't call games since the NHL season is on hold, so instead he's using his voice to raise more than $1,300 so far for local charities by using the website Cameo to send messages to Islanders fans.
SlideshowsGalleriesMore>>
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes
From doctors and nurses to firefighters and police officers. From grocery store workers to news media and beyond. There are many who work hard to keep things running, keep us informed and keep us safe.From doctors and nurses to firefighters and police officers. From grocery store workers to news media and beyond. There are many who work hard to keep things running, keep us informed and keep us safe.PHOTOS: Chopper 12 above the USNS Comfort arrival in Manhattan
PHOTOS: Chopper 12 above the USNS Comfort arrival in Manhattan
The 1,000-bed hospital ship will help ease the burden on local hospitals amid the coronavirus outbreak.The 1,000-bed hospital ship will help ease the burden on local hospitals amid the coronavirus outbreak.Rainbows and beyond: Facebook group creates movement of positivity
Rainbows and beyond: Facebook group creates movement of positivity
There are no rainbows without rain, right? Well, one might say it's been pouring lately. But a strong and growing group on Long Island is spreading color and positivity with a rainbow movement.There are no rainbows without rain, right? Well, one might say it's been pouring lately. But a strong and growing group on Long Island is spreading color and positivity with a rainbow movement.Your Coronavirus 2020 Photos
Your Coronavirus 2020 Photos
Whatever the reason is, News 12 wants to see photos of what you're doing to keep busy during the coronavirus pandemic.Whatever the reason is, News 12 wants to see photos of what you're doing to keep busy during the coronavirus pandemic.PHOTOS: Eerie scenes of calm amid coronavirus pandemic
PHOTOS: Eerie scenes of calm amid coronavirus pandemic
As people work from home and avoid large gatherings, areas that are normally packed with people have suddenly become nearly vacant.As people work from home and avoid large gatherings, areas that are normally packed with people have suddenly become nearly vacant.
