New York’s governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, announced two more listening sessions on regulated marijuana will be held, raising the total number to 17 across the state during September and October. The sessions began Sept. 24 and are scheduled to continue until Oct. 17.

“As we begin the process of creating a model regulated marijuana program, it is critical that we reach communities across the state in order to hear what New Yorkers have to say,” Cuomo said. “By adding two additional listening sessions to our schedule, we can ensure that all New Yorkers who wish to have their voice heard have the opportunity to do so.”

The listening sessions are being held in the evening and are open to the public, with pre-registration encouraged.

In January, the governor Cuomo commissioned a multi-agency study headed by the Department of Health to assess the impact of a regulated marijuana program in New York State. The resulting report, “Assessment of the Potential Impact of Regulated Marijuana in New York State,” which was delivered to the governor in July, found that the positive impacts of a regulated marijuana market in New York State outweigh the potential negative impacts. [Read more at Occupational Health and Safety]