Even before the debate around legalizing recreational marijuana across the state intensifies during the upcoming legislative session, the Drug Policy Alliance of New York is calling attention to the issue at a two-day conference in Albany.

“New Yorkers have been very clear, we have seen that the approval rates for this measure have gone up and people are consistently talking about how to make this happen. I think we still have a long way to go, however, I think they are taking it seriously in a different way and recognizing this is something they can no longer ignore,” said Kassandra Frederique, Drug Policy Alliance New York State director. 

Frederique is not alone in this belief. 

“My mind is not made up either way at this stage of the game. I've had hesitation but on the other hand, I am a realist. It is going to happen either legally or illegally in the state,” said John McDonald, (D) assemblyman in Cohoes.

Titled "Marijuana: Justice, Equity and Reinvestment," the seminars focus on the economic and societal opportunities, as well as the challenges, legalization may present.

“Legalization coming to New York is long overdue and very exciting,” said Shanel Lindsay, Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board member.

Lindsay is among the speakers and panelists at the seminar. The Massachusetts Cannabis Advisory Board launched its own retail cannabis industry in November.

“Legalization isn't just about whether you are legalizing, it is about how you are legalizing. Cannabis is a very specific industry in that it has a very sordid history when it comes to race and punishment,” Lindsay said.

She and other social justice advocates believe the millions collected in potential tax revenue from marijuana, must address decades worth of injustices surrounding enforcement of the drug. 

“Despite [the] fact that people across all races use cannabis at the same rate, black and brown people have been severely punished and criminalized over decades for this,” Lindsay said.

“We’ve seen communities, poor communities, communities of color, be devastated by marijuana prohibition,” Frederique said.

By starting the conversation now, stakeholders believe New York is in a rare position to address those concerns. 

"We really get to learn from everyone else that did it. New York has the distinct opportunity [of] being the place that gets it the most right," Frederique said.