SAUGERTIES – The new state law that allows the legal sale and possession of up to three ounces of cannabis by persons over the age of 21 has a flaw and needs to be amended, said Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra.
The law says it is legal for persons 21 and older to possession cannabis, but does not provide language that says persons under the age may not possess it or be penalized.
“This is about protecting the mental and physical well-being of our youth, so I really think it is important that we take a serious look at this,” he said.
Sinagra, who is president of the Mid-Hudson Valley Police Chiefs Association, said as the new law stands now, police are not legally allowed to confiscate cannabis from underage people or charge them with a crime.
He is working to have the loophole closed on the state level.
In the meantime, Sinagra is has proposed the Village and Town of Saugerties to adopt local laws making it unlawful for a person under 21 to possess cannabis with a fine of up to $250.
