New York’s ready to light up the joint
Puff, puff, passed!
New York lawmakers on Tuesday night passed a bill legalizing recreational pot.
The state Legislature greenlighted the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act after hours of debate that extended into the evening.
“Today is an historic day for New Yorkers,” state Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), one of the bill’s sponsors, said in a statement.
“I could not be more proud to cast my vote to end the failed policies of marijuana prohibition in our state, and begin the process of building a fair and inclusive legal market for adult-use cannabis.”
The Assembly passed the bill late Tuesday by a vote of 100-49. The state Senate had approved it earlier, 40-23.
The legislation now moves to Gov. Cuomo’s desk, where he is expected to sign it.
In a statement Tuesday night, Cuomo praised the legislation.
“New York has a storied history of being the progressive capital of the nation, and this important legislation will once again carry on that legacy,” Cuomo said.
“I look forward to signing this legislation into law.”
The bill, finalized over the weekend, would take cannabis off the list of controlled substances and allow those who are 21 and older to use the drug freely. Legal sales would follow as soon as next year.
Republicans and some Democrats voiced opposition to the bill, arguing it could send the wrong message to children that the drug is OK.
Senate Republican leader Rob Ortt (Niagara) said in a statement that the legislation would “hurt the health and safety of New Yorkers.”
“I cannot support this deeply flawed legislation due to the way it was developed, and the negative impact it will have on the health and safety of New Yorkers,” he said.
The legislation means the Empire State would join 14 states, two territories and Washington, DC, in legalizing adult use of marijuana.
The bill would establish an Office of Cannabis Management and a Cannabis Control Board charged with regulating and licensing the state’s adult-use program, existing medical-marijuana program and hemp program.
The legislation could bring $350 million in annual taxes and potentially create 30,000 to 60,000 jobs, officials have said.
Tax revenue would flow into a special revenue fund, with 40 percent going to the State Lottery Fund for education, 40 percent to the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund for new social and economic equity programs and 20 percent to the Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund.