New York to allow over-21s to buy cannabis in shops

RECREATIONAL marijuana use is to be legalised in New York, state politicians said yesterday.

The legislation will allow marijuana sales to adults over the age of 21 and could pave the way for the opening of Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes.

New Yorkers will also be able to grow up to six plants for personal use.

The legislation, the final details of which were hammered out yesterday, will mean sales starting in 18 months to two years after rules and a proposed cannabis board are set up.

Democrat governor Andrew Cuomo has estimated that legalisation could eventually bring the state about $350million (£254million) annually in tax revenue.

Under the plans, the state would eliminate penalties for possession of less than three ounces of cannabis. At least 15 other US states allow the purchase of marijuana for reasons other than medical use.

Drug policy campaigners said the legislation ‘really puts a nail in the coffin of the drug war that’s been so devastating to communities across New York and puts in place comprehensive policies that are really grounded in community reinvestment’.

But past efforts to legalise recreational use have been damaged by a lack of support from politicians, disagreements over how to distribute marijuana sales tax revenue and questions over how to address those suspected of driving while high.

Law enforcement, school and community advocates warn it could further strain a health system already overwhelmed by the pandemic and send young people mixed messages.

Officials in the Democrat-run state plan to launch an education and prevention campaign aimed at reducing the risk of cannabis among schoolaged children, and schools could get grants for anti-vaping and drug prevention and awareness programmes.