PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michael Zaytsev, Academic Director of Business of Cannabis Degree Programs at LIM College
2:42:21
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3 min
Michael Zaytsev, Academic Director at LIM College, testified in support of proposed initiatives to address illicit cannabis stores in NYC, but emphasized that more comprehensive action is needed. He highlighted the challenges posed by illegal shops and stressed the importance of public education on cannabis safety and responsible use.
- Urged for a transition process for some illicit operators to join the legal market, after legal permit holders have had the opportunity to open
- Called for a public education campaign on cannabis safety, responsible use, and harm reduction
- Suggested requiring continuing education for healthcare professionals on cannabis-related topics
Michael Zaytsev
2:42:21
Good afternoon.
2:42:22
Members of the city council.
2:42:23
My name is Michael Zixiv.
2:42:25
I'm the academic director of the business of cannabis degree programs at LIM College in Midtown Manhattan.
2:42:32
I'd like to begin by expressing my support for the initiatives being proposed today and recognizing the progress made over the past year to address illicit cannabis stores in our city.
2:42:42
However, I must emphasize that these positive steps are nowhere close to enough.
2:42:48
We need to take a more comprehensive approach if we truly wanna tackle the challenges we're facing.
2:42:55
The continued proliferation of illicit cannabis stores which have several advantages over legal dispensaries such as no advertising restrictions or proximity protections is largely due to delays at the state level with the office of cannabis management being understaffed and slow to get licensed dispensaries open.
2:43:18
These illicit stores are not only undermining the legal market, but also pose a significant public safety risk.
2:43:26
Some of my students have shared the alarming reports that some of these shops sell much more than cannabis, including illicit narcotics and other dangerous substances.
2:43:37
While I encourage the city and state to consider allowing some illicit operators of these stores to transition to the legal market or at least create some process for integration as opposed to criminalization, which we know from The city's infamous cannabis history does more harm than good.
2:43:58
This transition must be carefully managed.
2:44:01
It can only happen after those who have applied and received legal permits to operate, have had the opportunity to open, which, as we know, has been slow.
2:44:11
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there's a critical need for more public education around safe and responsible cannabis use.
2:44:20
We need to ensure that the public, especially young people, public school teachers, middle school teachers, health care professionals, and senior citizens who are increasingly using cannabis as medicine.
2:44:33
Are aware of the real fact behind cannabis, its risks, and its benefits.
2:44:38
Without education, the potential for misuse and harm increases significantly, especially with unregulated stores everywhere with illicit untested product easily available.
2:44:51
I urged the city council to consider a public education campaign focused on cannabis safety, responsible use, and harm reduction.
2:45:00
Who's responsible for creating and distributing curriculum on cannabis safety for public schools?
2:45:06
I sense that it's severely lacking today.
2:45:09
Additionally, I think the city should require continuing education for healthcare professionals to make sure that they're equipped with the latest information on cannabis use, harm reduction, and how to consult patients effectively.
2:45:24
These education initiatives would not only protect vulnerable populations, but also encourage cannabis consumers to shop in the legal regulated market.
2:45:33
Thank you for your time and consideration.
