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“I look forward to signing this legislation,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said.
The New York state legislature has officially voted to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adults and clear the records of those previously convicted of possession.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night, the New York State Assembly voted 100-49 to pass the marijuana legalization bill.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has previously said he will sign the bill once he reaches his office, and on Tuesday night he reiterated that plan.
“Tonight, the New York State Legislature took the first big step forward for the Empire State by passing legislation to legalize cannabis for adult use,” he said. in a press release. “For too long, the cannabis ban has disproportionately targeted communities of color with harsh prison terms and after years of hard work this landmark law does justice to communities long marginalized, encompasses a new industry that will grow the economy and put in place substantial security guards. for the public. “
“New York has a long history of being the nation’s progressive capital, and this important legislation will once again carry on that legacy,” he added. “I can’t wait to sign this law.”
Under the final law, 3 ounces of marijuana will be legally possessed for New Yorkers over the age of 21 and the substance will be subject to a 13% sales tax. Tax revenues will be distributed with 9% to the State and 4% to the localities, in accordance with the legislation.
Jawanza James Williams, organization director of VOCAL-NY, said in a statement Tuesday night: “Today the Assembly and Senate have shaped what democracy really looks like when the legislature allows progressive movements to lead towards justice.Our movement did not fight, just for the sake of legalization, but worked for years to craft legislation rooted in racial and economic justice, in an effort to right wrongs while establishing a new standard for anti-racist, class-conscious and gender-sensitive policy making. “
“This is a huge success for all New Yorkers, especially black and brown survivors of racist prohibition,” Williams added.
The governor’s office said as many as 60,000 new jobs could be created and that the state will generate $ 350 million in revenue per year, thanks to the new laws.
Residents will also be allowed to grow marijuana at home, with a limit of three mature plants for adults over 21 and six mature plants per household.
Anyone previously found guilty of possessing an amount of marijuana now under the legal limit will automatically be subject to expungement and re-conviction.
“We commend the New York Legislature and the tireless work of advocates for their commitment to ending cannabis prohibition through a social justice-centered approach,” said Steve Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project. “We predict 2021 will be a banner year for legislatures legalizing cannabis. More than two-thirds of Americans believe it’s time to end prohibition and this decision represents the latest example of elected officials joining the chorus of support for the legalization and regulation of adult cannabis. “
Once the bill is signed, New York will be the 15th state to allow recreational marijuana for adults. Voters chose to legalize marijuana in South Dakota last year, but the amendment is currently on hold in court.
The legislation will create the Office of Cannabis Management, which will regulate the sale and distribution of recreational and medical marijuana, which was legalized in 2014.
A five-member council will head the office with three members appointed by the governor and one appointed by each chamber of the legislature, in accordance with the law.
Sales may not begin until 2022 as the state will take time to establish its regulatory framework, legislative sources told ABC News.
“The legalization of marijuana is a racial and criminal justice imperative, and today’s vote is a crucial step towards a more just and just system,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. “For too long, people of color have been disproportionately affected by an outdated and short-sighted marijuana ban, and it is high time that we fix this problem. We also need to create an economy that will give a boost. vital to communities devastated by the war on drugs and COVID-19, and I hope this will help achieve that goal for New Yorkers. “
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