New York’s legislature voted to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, launch programs to help communities that bore the brunt of the national and state drug war, and eventually allow marijuana sales to people over the age of 21 under a sweeping bill.
The bill now goes to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has 10 days to approve or veto once it lands on his desk – otherwise, the bill becomes law. He has said he will sign it.
The governor released a statement Tuesday night just after the passing of the bill.
“New York has a storied history of being the progressive capital of the nation, and this important legislation will once again carry on that legacy. I look forward to signing this legislation into law,” Cuomo said.
The Senate voted 40-23 in favor and the Assembly approved it 100-49.
Criminal justice reform groups and advocates for minority communities hard-hit by the decades-long War on Drugs have hailed the state’s bill as particularly sweeping: New York would set a target of ensuring 50% of marijuana licenses go to underrepresented communities, and join a handful of states to automatically expunge past marijuana-related convictions.
“We have literally destroyed the lives of multiple thousands of people,” Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said. “That’s what’s good about this legislation…. We’re going to turn around the lives of some of those people and help them to be able to take care of themselves, their families and their communities.”
“I’m driving this because I want people to be free from incarceration for a drug that people in their communities use every day,” she said.
“We have consistently fought for economic, social, and criminal justice for all new yorkers. our plan for adult use marijuana legalization takes an intelligent, compassionate approach to this issue. and further defines New York State as the progressive leader that we are,” said Nathalia Fernandez, (D) 80th Assembly District.
New York, which has failed to legalize marijuana for years despite Democratic control of the Legislature and governor’s office, would become at least the 16th state to legalize marijuana sales to adults. New York would become the third state where lawmakers, rather than voters, have approved legalization.
Just in New York City alone, legalizing marijuana could rake in tens of millions for the city budget because it’s going to be taxed.
The legislation allows for possession of up to three ounces and allows people to grow as many as six plants at home.
For products sold at dispensaries, there is a hefty 13% sales tax.
However, district attorneys and police say the bill doesn’t do enough to address the issue of driving while impaired.
There currently is not a roadside test to detect marijuana.
“In most states that legalize it’s still illegal to smoke outside,” said NYC Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “I just want to see the fine print here before we see what adjustments have to be made.”
The New York State PTA is also against legalization.
“Absolute travesty. All research submitted shows it will be harmful to children, makes the roads less safe,” said Kyle Belopkopitsky, Executive Director, New York State PTA. “And I have absolutely no idea what the legislature is thinking in thinking they want to advance this right now.”
