New York Senate passes bill to legalize recreational marijuana

The New York State Senate passed a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana on Tuesday night, the Albany Times Union reported.

The bill, which is expected to help generate $ 350 million in annual revenue for New York City, passed the Senate with a 40-23 vote on Tuesday night. Three Democrats joined Republicans in voting against the bill.

The measure is also expected to be passed by the Assembly later Tuesday evening, the Times Union noted.

The vote comes three days after New York lawmakers reached an agreement on legalization. Democratic Governor of New York Andrew CuomoAndrew Cuomo The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden officials brace for worst despite vaccine data Judge decides New York must offer vaccine to prisoners. announced the deal, which also paved the way for the creation of the Office of Cannabis Management, on Saturday.

“For generations, too many New Yorkers have been unfairly penalized for the use and sale of adult cannabis, arbitrarily arrested and jailed with harsh mandatory minimum sentences,” Cuomo said in a press release.

He continued, “After years of tireless advocacy and extraordinarily hard work, this time is drawing to a close in New York State.”

The new measure allows up to three ounces of cannabis and 24 ounces of cannabis concentrate to be outside the home and allows New Yorkers to keep up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants at home. House.

Those previously charged with using or possessing marijuana will automatically have their convictions overturned.