New York State politicians have reached an agreement to legalize recreational marijuana usage, Bloomberg first reports. This would make New York the fifteenth state to do so.
Senator Liz Krueger told the publication that lawmakers were finalizing the bill which is set to go before the state Assembly and Senate next week, just before the state budget deadline of April 1. If the final bill is approved, its measures are expected to go into effect in 2022.
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Recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and up would be legal, and users would be allowed to possess up to three ounces. The new legislation would also allow users to grow cannabis plants in their homes. The state would begin offering dispensary licenses, and marijuana sales would be subject to a 13% sales tax, which the state estimates could generate $350 million in annual revenues.
READ MORE: Cannabis Legalization and Licensing – the “Microbusiness” and What’s to Come in 2022
Bloomberg reports that while tax revenues would first go to covering related business expenses, the rest would be “divided among programs to help people rebuild their lives after marijuana possession arrests; to help neighborhoods; education; and drug treatment.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, a new state agency would issue dispensary licenses for either retail sales or delivery, and marijuana dispensaries could have the ability to let customers enjoy the product in-store.
During a Wednesday press release, Governor Cuomo stated that legalizing the recreational use of marijuana was one of his main priorities, especially as the neighboring states of New Jersey and Massachusetts have already done so. “We’ve been trying to legalize cannabis for three years. I failed every year. We’re close, but we’ve been close three times before.”
Marijuana is not the problem. We are left to deal with a “drug culture” whereby drug sales are the only way to make a life/get ahead/whatever you want to call it. That promotes a gun culture and other antisocial behavior. Move on to the real problems of policing and providing safe streets and cleaning up the NYCHA housing which is full of guns and drugs.
You’re right. Also, we’re not allowed to drink alcohol in the street. I think people who smoke pot in the street, legal or not, should be heavily fined
Not accurate. How many bars and restaurants allow alcohol to be served at tables outside? How many people bring wine on their picnics in Central Park?
The difference is that alcohol served outdoors is served in a specific place. Drinking in the park is illegal. Also, pot has a very acrid smell and children especially don’t need to inhale it. People should be responsible and considerate when they drink or smoke pot