Governor Cuomo has announced the legalization of recreational cannabis use for adults 21 and over.
#BREAKING: I just signed legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis.
The bill creates automatic expungement of previous marijuana convictions that would now be legal.
This is a historic day.
I thank the Leader and Speaker and the tireless advocacy of so many.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 31, 2021
Lawmakers recently finalized the bill before it went before the state Assembly and Senate.
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The governor has now signed the bill and has released the following statement:
“At long last, New York has legalized marijuana and created a fair program that will uplift communities of color previously harmed by criminalization. I am thrilled this legislation has achieved much of what we pushed for with that effort by prioritizing licenses for those negatively impacted by criminalization, expunging convictions for past marijuana charges, and new social equity initiatives that will help communities most harmed by past marijuana laws. I thank Assembly Speaker Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Stewart Cousins, Assembly Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes and Senator Krueger for fighting for justice through this important legislation.”
READ MORE: Cannabis Legalization and Licensing – the “Microbusiness” and What’s to Come in 2022
The new bill decriminalizes the possession of up to 3 ounces, and those who were previously charged with possession will have their records expunged.
The legal cannabis industry is estimated to generate about $350 million in annual revenue and create between 30,000 and 60,000 jobs. It’s expected that retail stores won’t start popping up for another year, but in the meantime, adults can grow up to six pot plants at home.
Senator Liz Krueger, one of the leaders of the movement to legalize weed, released the following statement via Twitter.
The bill is passed. pic.twitter.com/ESpkyCIJEM
— Senator Liz Krueger (@LizKrueger) March 30, 2021
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Other local leaders joined in with tweets to show their support.
Finally, a huge step in the right direction to deliver justice. Marijuana legalization + the proactive empowerment of communities of color who’ve always been most harmed by criminalization is absolutely reason to celebrate.
Thank you @CPeoplesStokes and @LizKrueger! https://t.co/PAqi48BldE
— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) March 31, 2021
This is what progress looks like. Now, let’s pass the MORE Act and decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.
It’s long past time. https://t.co/j3HVXqw2kd
— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) March 31, 2021
This is great news. But as someone who detests the stench of pot smoke (almost as much as cigarette smoke), out of curiosity — will folks be permitted to smoke wherever they want (e.g. in the same places cigarettes can be smoked), or will there be any rule confine pot-smoking to the home? Now that I write that, I’m guessing if it’s legal, it’s legal, and can smoked anywhere.
We’re not allowed to walk around drinking in the street. It shouldn’t be allowed to be smoked in the street. It’s disgusting and children shouldn’t have to ever inhale it
Oh yeah, good point.
Update: As per Gothamist:
“Q: Can I smoke weed on the street?
A: Adults 21 and older can smoke or consume marijuana anywhere it is currently legal to use tobacco.”
https://gothamist.com/news/can-i-smoke-weed-street-what-you-need-know-about-legal-marijuana-ny
Oh well…
Cigarettes are legal and can’t be smoked anywhere, what ever makes you think it will be different with pot?
You didn’t read or understand my full comment (“will folks be permitted to smoke wherever they want (e.g. in the same places cigarettes CAN be smoked”). I didn’t suggest people could smoke cigarettes everywhere. However, they can be smoked on the street (provided not near certain restricted entrances, e.g. hospitals); I wondered whether people would be allowed the same freedoms with pot smoking. The earlier commenter pointed out restrictions governing liquor in public, which is a useful analogy.
Legalized recreational marijuana is a terrible mistake. So now in addition to getting sick from other people’s cigarette smoke, we will get sick and high from other people’s marijuana. No one seems to care about those of us who do not wish to smoke or get high. This will also contribute to more auto accidents as people will be driving while under the influence of marijuana. The disgraceful politicians in this state will do absolutely anything for money.
Absolutely! Pot is definitely a stepping stone to other drugs. Kids will be coming to school stoned. Is this how they’re intending to keep the masses dumb and down? This is an outrageously stupid thing to do
Hi Harriet. Stoned right now, but I believe the phrase is “dumbed down.”