New York Just Became the 15th State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
New York has finally legalized recreational marijuana, making it the nation’s 15th state to do so. Governor Andrew Cuomo just signed the bill into law after the state Legislature approved the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act earlier this week. Legalizing marijuana has been years in the making for the Empire State after much debate.
The new law is expected to bring a big boost to the state’s economy. Sales will add millions of dollars in revenue and supply thousands of jobs to New Yorkers. It could also potentially become the country’s largest cannabis market. Last year, five other states passed marijuana measures, including neighboring New Jersey.
In a statement, Governor Cuomo called the legislation a “historic day in New York-one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State’s economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits.”
New York legalized marijuana. Now release all of those people in jail for victim-less crimes!!
— Les ☁️ (@LesMarie1296) April 1, 2021
The law includes taking 40 percent of revenue from marijuana sales taxes and investing them in minority communities that have been hit hardest by the country’s strict drug policies. Those who have previous marijuana convictions will also be given access to participate in the cannabis market. Another major takeaway is removing previous marijuana convictions from records.
since they legalized recreational marijuana in New York yesterday my life has been inherently going uphill
— mer 🌟 (@luvislandacnh) April 1, 2021
New Yorkers will now be legally allowed to possess up to three ounces of marijuana. Smoking in public is allowed wherever tobacco smoking is permitted with the exception of schools, workplaces, and cars. Home delivery is also in the works for the future.
New York expunging past marijuana convictions is BIG… I hope Florida’s next
— Webbz (@WebbzCX) April 1, 2021
Some aspects of the law have gone into effect immediately and the news has excited many New Yorkers. They’re also proud of the state for working to correct wrongs inflicted on Black and Latino communities that have been disproportionately affected by harsh drug laws.
This coupled with the new recreational marijuana legalization bill that automatically expunges past related convictions AND our ending qualified immunity makes me hopeful for criminal justice reform in New York. So many much needed actions have been taken this month. https://t.co/IvF3RfSQ3F
— Ashira Blazer MD (@ashira_md) April 1, 2021
New York’s decision is a major step forward and will hopefully encourage other states to follow suit. It’s time for the country to move forward in undoing years of injustice in the war on drugs. Feel free to view the full bill to learn more about New York’s new marijuana legislation.
Writer | Tweet me @itsjadak
