As cannabis sales become legal in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a coordinated effort between State Police and local law enforcement to address drug-impaired driving. April 20th, a day internationally associated with marijuana use, will see increased focus on the issue to ensure public safety.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of responsible behavior, saying, “Drug-impaired driving is a reckless, dangerous choice that puts everyone on our roadways at risk.” She urged individuals to avoid driving while under the influence and to always have a safe travel plan in place.
This year marks the first time cannabis retail outlets will be operating in parts of New York on April 20th. Governor Hochul recently launched a public awareness campaign to promote purchasing from licensed retailers and discourage patronizing unauthorized “grey” market stores.
To effectively enforce the crackdown, State Police troopers have undergone specialized Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training to better identify drug-impaired driving. Acting State Police Superintendent Steven Nigrelli highlighted the ongoing threat of drug-impaired driving, stating that it leads to thousands of injuries and fatalities every year. He reminded the public that driving while impaired remains illegal, despite the legalization of adult recreational cannabis use.
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