Senator Dean Murray (R,C-Patchogue) is praising law enforcement and school officials for their swift and cooperative response following the March incident at William Floyd Middle School where thirteen students became ill after consuming marijuana gummies.
The investigation has led to the arrest of three individuals, one of which is believed to have supplied the students with marijuana gummies.
“I commend the police and school officials for working together to get to the bottom of this serious situation. All parties have been diligent since the March 3 event; we have been actively involved in discussions with law enforcement and school officials as we were determined to find the details of this situation. The cooperation and coordinated response helped ensure accountability and provided some answers for the families impacted and the safety of the community,” said NYS Senator Dean Murray, 3rd District.
While applauding the outcome of the investigation, Senator Murray emphasized that this case underscores a broader, unresolved issue; the sale and marketing of cannabis edibles in packaging that is clearly designed to appeal to children.
“These arrests are a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t solve the core problem, cannabis products being sold in packaging that mimics candy and snacks popular with kids is dangerous, deceptive, and completely unacceptable,” stated Senator Dean Murray.
Senator Murray is sponsoring legislation currently before the New York State Senate that aims to directly address this growing threat to children’s safety. Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio is carrying the companion bill in the New York State Assembly. The bill would prohibit the marketing of adult-use cannabis products that targets or appeals to minors, require clear and visible warning labels on all edible cannabis products and impose criminal penalties and strict regulations on the sale or distribution of these products to individuals under the age of 21.
Senator Murray reaffirmed his commitment to working with parents, educators, public health officials, and law enforcement to advance policies that protect New York’s youth and hold bad actors accountable.
“My bill is focused on keeping our children safe by addressing this problem head-on. This incident at William Floyd should be a wake-up call. I urge my colleagues in both houses to act swiftly and pass this legislation. We cannot wait for another event like this to occur before we do what’s right for our children,” stated Senator Dean Murray.
“We are grateful to the police for apprehending the individuals responsible for selling gummies to children within our community. We also support the efforts of Senator Murray and Assemblywoman Giglio in prohibiting the deceptive marketing of adult-use cannabis gummies. All too often, the product packaging emulates snacks that are appealing to children; this needs to be addressed quickly before something tragic happens. Thank you to Senator Murray and Assemblywoman Giglio for their important work on this issue,” stated William Floyd’s BOE President April Coppola.