New York State will become the fifteenth in the United States to allow the use of cannabis. Lawmakers passed a bill on Tuesday, March 30, legalizing recreational marijuana. Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo has said he will sign it.
This bill is supported by both houses of the state, where Cuomo’s Democratic Party has a strong majority.
“For too long, the cannabis ban has disproportionately targeted communities of color with heavy prison sentences.”, the governor of the state of New York said in a statement.
“This landmark legislation does justice to long marginalized communities, embraces a new industry that will grow the economy and establish substantial safeguards for the public.”, continued Mr. Cuomo.
85 grams as personal possession limit
The law will allow adults 21 and over to buy cannabis and grow plants in their homes for their personal consumption. New York State will automatically erase the records of people who have previously been convicted of marijuana-related offenses, who will no longer be considered as such.
The law will also remove the penalties for possession of three ounces of the drug (85 grams), the new personal possession limit, and the existing medical marijuana distribution program will be expanded. Funds hitherto allocated to combating cannabis use will be redirected to drug treatment and education.
Mr Cuomo’s office said the change could bring in an additional $ 350 million in annual tax revenue and create tens of thousands of jobs. The state plans to tax marijuana sales at 9%.
The move comes as Mr. Cuomo is under investigation for sexual harassment and intimidation and his administration is accused of orchestrating the cover-up of Covid-19-related deaths in nursing homes.