Governor Cuomo signs bill legalizing recreational marijuana in New York state

New York officially legalizes marijuana: Gov. Cuomo signs bill allowing adults over 21 to carry up to three ounces and grow up to three plants in their homes

  •  Cuomo signed a bill that legalizes recreational marijuana in New York State on Wednesday after a 100-49 State Assembly vote on Tuesday night
  • New Yorkers aged 21 and over can now legally possess up to three ounces of marijuana and grow up to five pounds in their homes
  • Cuomo estimates the new industry could result in $350 million in tax revenue, and up to 60,000 new jobs in the state 
  • Anyone previously convicted of possessing an amount of marijuana under the new legal limit will automatically be eligible to resentencing

Embattled New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that legalizes recreational marijuana in the Empire state – making New York the 16th State in the country to legalize sales to adults. 

The bill reached Cuomo’s desk Tuesday night after State Assembly voted 100-49 to pass the marijuana legalization bill.

Under the bill, signed on Wednesday by Cuomo, New Yorkers aged 21 and over can now legally possess up to three ounces of marijuana outside of the home and purchase cannabis from authorized retailers.  

Anyone previously convicted of possessing marijuana under the new legal limit will automatically be eligible to resentencing. The bill will also lead to reduced penalties for possession and sale.

‘This is a historic day in New York – one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State’s economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits,’ Cuomo said in a statement. 

‘This is a historic day in New York – one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State’s economy,’ Cuomo said

The legislation will also expand the list of medical conditions for eligibility to medical marijuana

The legislation will also expand the list of medical conditions for eligibility to medical marijuana

Adults can now legally have up to five pounds of marijuana in their home as well as  grow up to three mature cannabis plants in their home, the bill said. 

The bill has a strong economic incentive – the new industry could result in $350 million in tax revenue, and up to 60,000 new jobs in the state, the governor’s office said. 

Marijuana will have a 13% sales tax, with 9% of the revenue going to the state and 4% going to localities, the bill said.  

Sales of recreational-use marijuana won’t become legal for an estimated 18 months pending state regulations. 

The legislation will also expand the list of medical conditions for eligibility to medical marijuana 

Sales of recreational-use marijuana won't become legal for an estimated 18 months pending state regulations.

Sales of recreational-use marijuana won’t become legal for an estimated 18 months pending state regulations.

The bill allows anyone previously convicted of possessing an amount of marijuana under the new legal limit will automatically be eligible to resentencing

The bill allows anyone previously convicted of possessing an amount of marijuana under the new legal limit will automatically be eligible to resentencing

New York City health officials are also praising the move. 

During Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s daily press briefing on Wednesday, Jay Varma, the NYC Mayor’s Office Senior Adviser for Public Health, said that while doctors are still learning more about the long term effects of marijuana use, he supports a bill that promotes the the right type of resources to support cannabis users that does not involve criminal justice.

‘We know a lot of adults do use these products safely, they lead highly functional lives, they lead to no severe health outcomes and we need to have a society that doesn’t criminalize that type of action and provides support for people who end up having problems with it,’ he said.