The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, signed this past Wednesday the law that legalizes the recreational use of marijuana, approved the day before by state legislators. With this initiative endorsed by both houses, where the Cuomo Democrats hold the majority, New York joins 14 other states in the United States – plus the District of Columbia – that already allow this use for Cannabis.
“This landmark legislation brings justice to long-marginalized communities, fosters a new industry that will grow the economy, and establishes substantial safety guarantees for the people,” Cuomo said in a statement.
The governor’s office has said its enforcement could provide about $ 350 million a year in taxes and create tens of thousands of jobs. 40% of the tax revenue will go to Black and Latino communities, whose members have been disproportionately detained on marijuana-related charges, according to US media outlets.
Legally regulated
The law will allow people over 21 years of age to buy Cannabis and grow plants for their personal consumption, with a plan for part of the funds raised to go to drug treatment and education. New York will also automatically expunge the records of people previously convicted of marijuana-related crimes who will no longer be punished.
The law will also eliminate fines for possession of up to 85 grams of the drug, the new personal possession limit. And an existing program for the medical use of Marijuana will be expanded.
The decision comes as Cuomo faces an investigation for alleged sexual harassment and intimidation of employees, as well as accusations against his administration of having covered up deaths related to COVID-19 in nursing homes.
