The State of New York has decided to legalize Marijuana.
What We Know:
- New York State will become the 15th state to legalize marijuana. This is a big step up from the law passed in 2019 that would expunge past convictions and reduce the penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana. This new legislation will create a framework that would develop licensing for marijuana producers and assist individuals that were negatively impacted by cannabis enforcement in the past.
- In a press release, Andrew Cuomo shared his thoughts on the injustices certain communities have faced due to the policing of cannabis. He believes that this new legislation will set things straight. ” For generations, too many New Yorkers have been unfairly penalized for the use and sale of adult-use cannabis…After years of tireless advocacy and extraordinary hard work, that time is coming to an end in New York State.”
- The Legislation will allow recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, allow up to three ounces for personal possession, establish cafes where marijuana could be smoked and implement a split tax that would be divided between the local government and the state.
- According to a report, the tax revenue from marijuana sales will fund different public services and programs. A percentage would go towards the office of Cannabis Management and training for police officers to detect impaired drivers. School aid, funding for grants towards social equity, drug treatment, and public education programs will be funded from the remaining percentage of tax revenue from sales.
Reports note that sales of recreational Marijuana will start in about two years in the state of New York.
