S5755

The New York State Senate passed S5755, a Public Health Law amendment sponsored by Sen. Cleare, on a roll call vote of 61-0. The bill creates an awareness program aimed at educating young people under 21 about cannabis risks. During floor debate, Cleare expressed concern about the oversaturation of smoke shops and cannabis advertising in her district, arguing that easy accessibility sends a harmful message to minors. She cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research indicating that marijuana use during teenage and young adult years could adversely impact brain development, which continues until age 25. Cleare characterized the bill as an educational initiative to equip young people with sound information to make informed decisions rather than simply telling them to "say no" to cannabis. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.