Last year, more than 50,000 misdemeanor marijuana arrests flooded the courts in New York City. It’s now by far the most common misdemeanor charge in the city.

30 Issues: The Future of Marijuana Laws in NYC

The Brian Lehrer Show | Oct 1, 2013

It’s Public Safety Week on the Brian Lehrer Show’s election series “30 issues in 30 Days.” See the full 30 Issues schedule and archive here.

Both Joe Lhota and Bill de Blasio have indicated that they would decriminalize certain types of marijuana usage and try to reform the way New York City treats marijuana arrests. Gabriel Sayegh, New York Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, discuss their proposals and the future of drug policy under the next mayor and police commissioner.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Darializa Avila-Chevalier on Mamdani, ICE and the NYPD

Who’s Running This Place |

NYC spending on homelessness has soared. So has the number of people on the street.

Dozens of street outreach groups hired by different agencies are inefficient and duplicating work, advocates said.
Gothamist |

Watch: Test your news knowledge with Brian Lehrer

Brian Lehrer leads special guests in a multi-round quiz of news oddities.
Radiolab |

Cornell's Feminist Philosopher on the 'Jane Doe' Case

The Brian Lehrer Show |
YOU ARE ONLINE