NYC Ends Arrests for Smoking Pot

What’s the story?

• New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has told the NYPD to stop arresting people who are caught smoking marijuana in public.

What’s the new edict?

• This weekend, the mayor told the top brass at the city’s police department to issue summonses for smoking pot in public rather than making arrests.
• At de Blasio’s request, the NYPD has also launched a 30-day review on the massive racial disparity in marijuana arrests.

"The working group is reviewing possession and public smoking of marijuana to ensure enforcement is consistent with the values of fairness and trust, while also promoting public safety and addressing community concerns," NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Phil Walzak told CNN.

Preparing for full legalization

• De Blasio is also putting together a task force to prepare for full legalization.
• "With marijuana legalization likely to occur in our state in the near future, it is critical our city plans for the public safety, health and financial consequences involved," he said.

"While I still have real concerns we must work through, it isn't difficult to see where this is headed, and any responsible policymaker must prepare for that eventuality. My focus now will be helping to craft the critical regulatory framework that must come before legalization is realized."

What do you think?

Do you want your mayor to make a similar proclamation? Or should states – and cities – respect the federal mandate that pot is illegal? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• 7 Marijuana Bills in Congress Now
• Seattle Seeks to Vacate Pot Convictions

(Photo Credit: Kevin Case via Flickr)