NY Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
graphic by bailey kretschmer
Attention all cannabis connoisseurs: recreational marijuana was just legalized in New York State, just in time for 4/20! Does legalization mean no more paranoia from sparking a blunt at Thornden or smoking a bowl at the water tower? Here’s what the new law entails, and when it will be in place.
On March 31, 2021, Governor Cuomo signed legislation from the state senate, legalizing recreational marijuana in New York State. This makes New York the 16th state in America to legalize weed recreationally. Starting in April, adults 21 and older are able to possess up to 3 ounces of bud or 24 grams of oil, and up to 5 pounds of bud at their house. Additionally, they can grow up to 6 plants (3 mature, 3 immature), and have up to 12 plants per house. It is projected to take at least a year for the state to fully implement the new law, including the distribution of licenses for recreational dispensaries. The law also allows for weed delivery businesses, a dream come true for couch-ridden stoners. Legal sales are not expected to start until at least 2021, and New Jersey is expected to begin recreational sales before New York after their legalization a month ago.
The new law allows 21+ adults to smoke wherever smoking tobacco is legal, including designated “lounges” for smoking socially. It is illegal to smoke in schools, workplaces, or cars, and driving under the influence of marijuana is a crime. In New York State, it is already illegal to smoke anything in state parks, as well as any designated smoke-free zones, but anywhere else is fair game! People on Marshall Street are already starting to blaze! Reminder: Syracuse University is a smoke-free campus, so it is technically still illegal to smoke weed on campus.
Something unique about New York’s recreational legalization is their move to expunge marijuana-related crimes from convicted individuals if their crime was made legal through the recent law. Expungement is when the court is ordered to treat convictions as if they never happened, erasing them from public record. To add, tax revenue from marijuana sales will be reinvested into communities affected by racially disproportionate policing on drugs. The tax revenue is expected to be $350 million annually; 40% will go to education, 40% to Community Grants Reinvestment Fund, and 20% to Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund.
"Passage of this bill will mean not just legalizing marijuana, but also investing in education and our communities, and it brings to an end decades of disproportionately targeting people of color under state and federal drug laws," said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
Overall, the recent legalization shows that New York legislation is finally catching up to the times, and has the potential to inspire other states to follow suit. Smoke responsibly, and take advantage of the new law by finding a nice place to smoke for the upcoming holiday on April, 20th.