CHENANGO COUNTY – Local law enforcement officials voiced their concerns about the recently passed recreational marijuana law, and the impacts it might have on the safety of Chenango County communities.

According to a story from the Associated Press, “New York adults over the age of 21 can now possess and use marijuana — even in public — under a legalization bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, though legal sales of recreational-use cannabis won't start for an estimated 18 months until regulations are set.”

Meanwhile local law enforcement officials including City of Norwich Deputy Chief Scott Burlison are attempting to figure out how to address the cultural change, and figure out ways to keep their residents safe.

“It’s going to be a learning curve for law enforcement state wide,” said Burlison. “Based on what happened out in Colorado, there were a number of things like motor vehicle accidents rates going up that they weren’t ready for.”

“One of the largest issues we’re facing right now is there’s nothing to test someone for their level of THC, unlike the tests we have for people who are driving while intoxicated.”

Law enforcement officials around Chenango County were hesitant to confirm that marijuana was legal due to the confusion surrounding how the marijuana law was passed. Burlison said at the very least anyone trying marijuana should stay off of the roads.