New York State Assemblyman Steve Katz, who has voted against medical marijuana legislation, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after he was pulled over for speeding this week, the
Huffington Post reports.
In a statement released Friday, authorities said that state police discovered Katz had a “small bag” of marijuana in his possession during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway Thursday morning.
After stopping Katz for driving 80 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone, a New York State Trooper noticed the smell of marijuana.
Katz was taken into custody and charged with possession before being released.
The arrest raised eyebrows since Katz, who represents parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, opposed the legalization of medical marijuana in June.
Katz also serves on New York's Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee.
Katz, a Republican, addressed the “unfortunate incident” during a press conference Friday.
“This should not overshadow the work I have done over the years for the public and my constituency,” Katz told reporters.
“I am confident that once the facts are presented that this will quickly be put to rest.”
Katz is due in court for the possession charge on March 28.
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