New York state lawmakers have passed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana. Governor Andrew Cuomo has said he will sign it.
With this bill backed by both state houses, where Andrew Cuomo’s Democratic Party holds a strong majority, New York will join the 14 other US states and the District of Columbia that allow cannabis use.
“For too long, the cannabis ban has disproportionately targeted communities of color with heavy prison sentences,” said the governor of New York State. He added: “This landmark legislation does justice to long marginalized communities, embraces a new industry that will grow the economy and establish substantial safeguards for the public. “
This law will now allow adults aged 21 and over to buy cannabis and grow plants in their homes for their personal consumption. In addition, it will redirect funds towards drug treatment and education.
At the same time, New York State will automatically erase the records of people who have already been convicted of marijuana-related offenses who will no longer be considered as such. The law will also remove the penalties for possession of 85 grams of the drug, the new personal possession limit.
Mr Cuomo’s office said the change could bring in an additional $ 350 million in annual tax revenue and create tens of thousands of jobs. The state plans to tax marijuana sales at 9%.
The move comes as Andrew Cuomo is under investigation for sexual harassment and intimidation and his administration is accused of orchestrating the cover-up of deaths in nursing homes linked to Covid-19.
In France, Jean Castex recently spoke out against legalization.
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