Queens, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato penned a letter to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) where she vehemently opposed the proposed opening of a legal cannabis dispensary in Howard Beach. The Assemblywoman, who voted “no” to legalize marijuana, detailed her own objections, but also the concerns that constituents have brought to her. In the letter she cited how the proposed shop on Cross Bay Blvd. would be in close proximity to P.S. 207 and the Howard Beach Public Library, along with being inches from a public bus stop which is utilized by children and seniors.

“I am appalled by the possibility of opening a dispensary at this location,” the Assemblywoman wrote in her letter. The Assemblywoman strongly outlined her original objections saying “there is still no method to measure the impairment level of a driver after smoking or ingesting marijuana. In addition, the motor vehicle laws have not been properly updated to address driving while ‘high,’ nor have the complaints and concerns regarding quality-of-life issues that stem from illegal stores been resolved by OCM.” Pheffer Amato is a known fighter in Albany on this topic and is the prime co-sponsor of A.174 which seeks to amend New York's laws regarding driving while impaired by drugs.

“This community has made its voice loud and clear, and firmly objects to the opening of this dispensary. I ask that OCM listen and respect our community’s thoughts as our Community Board voted against this too,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. The Assemblywoman has also been working in tandem with the NYC Sheriff's Department on illegal marijuana stores with regards to imposing fines and confiscating illegal substances.