Dear Friend,
On May 12, The Strong National Museum of Play hosted the pro-marijuana conference, CannaBusiness: Capitalizing on the Cannabis Economy. The event was an unmistakable endorsement of recreational marijuana and all that comes with it, including its commercialization and normalization of highly potent products. We are calling on the Strong and its board to apologize publicly and vow not to host any activities that are both harmful to children and illegal.
This event should not have been allowed to happen. We need you to ramp up the pressure on the Strong President and the Greater Rochester Chamber CEO to make them vow to never hold a marijuana-related event at the museum again.
This is appalling in light of the overwhelming evidence demonstrating the relationship between marijuana use and negative outcomes, especially for youth. The marketing and advertising of marijuana to youth is prohibited, yet the platforming of industry executives and lobbyists within your facility effectively did just that. The Strong is expected by the public to maintain a high standard and welcome only family-friendly exhibits and events; unfortunately, this standard was not met.
Marijuana remains federally illegal. The Strong, a recipient of federal funding, should not have hosted an event promoting an activity that is illegal under the law.
During the event, Bob Duffy, the President of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said, “Whether people agree or not, it’s legalized, it’s coming. Our job is to make sure we educate people on all aspects of this.” What he and New Yorkers should be educated on is that youth marijuana use increases following legalization, despite assurances to the contrary from pro-pot activists.
Thank you for all that you have done over the years that have brought us to this day. Let’s keep up the pressure!
All the best,
