NY Bans Smoking in State-Owned Beaches, Playgrounds; RCC to Share in Cannabis Industry Funding

New York’s governor this week signed legislation that prohibits smoking at all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers, and group camps. Violators could be fined $50. Besides the health risks thanks to second-hand smoke, Governor Kathy Hochul says cigarette butts are a major environmental hazard and says they are the leading item found during cleanup projects. In other state smoking news, RCC is among various SUNY schools to get state funding to support the creation of short-term programs that provide pathways to employment in the cannabis industry. The cannabis sector is projected to be a multi- billion-dollar industry that will need tens of thousands of jobs to be filled. RCC will be part of a group of colleges, led by Orange County Community College, to share one million dollars for the program. Other community colleges participating include those in Westchester, Dutchess, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties.