Current NYC Mayor Proposes Restrictions on Public Marijuana Smoking
07/25/2025
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for restrictions on where marijuana can be smoked in public, citing the pervasive smell of cannabis as a concern. Speaking on The New York Post's "Pod Force One" podcast, Adams suggested that smoking marijuana should be confined to designated areas rather than allowed throughout city streets. "You do smell it everywhere," Adams remarked, expressing frustration with the state's 2021 recreational cannabis law, which he believes lacks sufficient regulation.
Under New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, passed in 2021, smoking cannabis is permitted in most places where tobacco smoking or vaping is allowed, with exceptions including inside vehicles, restaurants, federal property, and most public parks. However, the widespread odor of marijuana has sparked debate among residents and city officials. Adams argues that the state legislature should have included stricter guidelines when legalizing recreational marijuana to address public concerns like secondhand smoke exposure.
Public opinion in New York City is divided. Some residents, like one interviewed by FOX 5 NY, are unbothered by the smell when walking alone but express concern when with children. "If I'm with my daughter, it absolutely bothers me because I don't want her to be exposed to it," the individual noted. Others take a more relaxed view, with one New Yorker telling FOX 5, "It’s one of the better smells, to be honest with you," comparing it favorably to other urban odors.
The proposal comes as New York City navigates the broader impacts of cannabis legalization, including the proliferation of unlicensed dispensaries and ongoing efforts to regulate the industry. While Adams has not outlined specific plans for designated smoking areas, his comments signal a push for tighter controls. Any changes would likely require coordination with state lawmakers, as cannabis regulations fall under the jurisdiction of individual states. As the debate continues, New Yorkers remain split on balancing personal freedoms with public comfort in the evolving landscape of legal marijuana.
Reference
Under New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, passed in 2021, smoking cannabis is permitted in most places where tobacco smoking or vaping is allowed, with exceptions including inside vehicles, restaurants, federal property, and most public parks. However, the widespread odor of marijuana has sparked debate among residents and city officials. Adams argues that the state legislature should have included stricter guidelines when legalizing recreational marijuana to address public concerns like secondhand smoke exposure.
Public opinion in New York City is divided. Some residents, like one interviewed by FOX 5 NY, are unbothered by the smell when walking alone but express concern when with children. "If I'm with my daughter, it absolutely bothers me because I don't want her to be exposed to it," the individual noted. Others take a more relaxed view, with one New Yorker telling FOX 5, "It’s one of the better smells, to be honest with you," comparing it favorably to other urban odors.
The proposal comes as New York City navigates the broader impacts of cannabis legalization, including the proliferation of unlicensed dispensaries and ongoing efforts to regulate the industry. While Adams has not outlined specific plans for designated smoking areas, his comments signal a push for tighter controls. Any changes would likely require coordination with state lawmakers, as cannabis regulations fall under the jurisdiction of individual states. As the debate continues, New Yorkers remain split on balancing personal freedoms with public comfort in the evolving landscape of legal marijuana.
Reference
