New York legalizes recreational marijuana

Recreational marijuana use has become legal in New York state: Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act with which it gives the green light to the possession, use and even cultivation of cannabis. “This is a historic day for New York,” the governor explained after passing the bill. “It is the day when the wrongs of the past are remedied, by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, by promoting an industry that will grow the Empire State economy and giving priority to marginalized communities, so that those who have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits ».

The state of New York officially joins the other 14 US states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, which have legalized recreational cannabis. New Yorkers ages 21 and up, from now on, they will be able to legally possess and consume marijuana, although the outlets will not open until at least 2022.

“The last time New York State did something similar was when the ban on alcohol was lifted: it was 1933, said Senator Liz Krueger, one of the promoters of the measure. “Here we are in 2021: after almost 100 years, we are removing the right to possess and consume marijuana”.

The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act also establishes a 9% cannabis retail sales tax, an additional 4% tax that may be imposed by counties and municipalities, plus another tax based on THC content: 0.5 cents per milligram for flowers, 0.8 cents per milligram for concentrated cannabis and 3 cents per milligram for edible products. This program, when fully implemented, is expected to lead to $ 350 million a year in tax revenue and could create 30,000 to 60,000 new ones jobs throughout New York.

The law also allows the home cultivation of six plants for personal use and cancels, even retroactively, the penalties for possessing less than three ounces (about 85 grams) of cannabis.

You may also like