New York state lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he would sign it.
With this bill backed by both state houses, where 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,” the New York state governor said in a statement.
“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,” Cuomo continued.
The law will allow adults 21 and older to buy cannabis and grow plants in their homes for personal consumption, and will redirect funds to drug treatment and education.
New York State will automatically erase the records of people who have previously been convicted of marijuana-related offenses, who will no longer be considered as such.
The law will also remove the penalties for possession of three ounces of the drug (85 grams), the new personal possession limit, and the existing medical marijuana distribution program will be expanded.
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 Mr. 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.
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