New York legislators agree to legalise recreational marijuana

High times New York legislators agree to legalise recreational marijuana

The legislation would allow recreational marijuana sales to adults over the age of 21, and set up a licensing process for delivery to customers.

Associated Press Reporters

March 28 2021 01:59 PM

Legislators in New York have reached an agreement to legalise recreational marijuana sales in the state.

At least 14 other states already allow residents to buy marijuana for recreational and not just medical use, but New York’s past efforts to pass marijuana had failed in recent years.

Democrats who now wield a veto-proof majority in the state legislature have made passing it a priority this year, and Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration has estimated legalisation could eventually bring the state about 350 dollars million (£254 million) annually.

“My goal in carrying this legislation has always been to end the racially disparate enforcement of marijuana prohibition that has taken such a toll on communities of colour across our state, and to use the economic windfall of legalisation to help heal and repair those same communities,” said Liz Krueger, Senate sponsor of the bill and chairwoman of the Senate’s finance committee.

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— Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (@CPeoplesStokes) March 28, 2021

The legislation would allow recreational marijuana sales to adults over the age of 21, and set up a licensing process for the delivery of cannabis products to customers.

Individual New Yorkers could grow up to three mature and three immature plants for personal consumption, and local governments could opt out of retail sales.

The legislation would take effect immediately if passed, though sales would not start immediately as New York sets up rules and a proposed cannabis board.

Assembly majority leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes estimated on Friday that it could take 18 months to two years for sales to start.