Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that he will introduce a proposal that would finally legalize marijuana in New York state. “I’m announcing a proposal to legalize cannabis and create an equitable adult-use cannabis program in NYS,” Cuomo tweeted Wednesday. “This program will generate much-needed revenue, while allowing us to support those that have been most harmed by decades of failed cannabis prohibition.” Under the proposal, New York would establish a new Office of Cannabis Management, which would oversee both the recreational program and the state’s preexisting medical marijuana program. If approved later this year, the proposal would allow adults over the age of 21 to buy marijuana at state-approved dispensaries, with the state reaping an estimated $300 million in tax revenue from legalization. I’m announcing a proposal to legalize cannabis and create an equitable adult-use cannabis program in NYS. This program will generate much-needed revenue, while allowing us to support those that have been most harmed by decades of failed cannabis prohibition.#SOTS2021 — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 6, 2021 While New York decriminalized personal-use possession of marijuana in 2019, the Empire State has lagged behind other states — including, most recently, Montana, Arizona, North Dakota and New Jersey — in legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Cuomo has twice attempted to legalize marijuana in the largely Democratic state, but both tries stalled when they reached the legislature. However, state Democrats obtained a supermajority following the November elections, giving them the ability to override any veto. The timing of Cuomo’s proposal — like news that Cuomo will also allow sports betting in New York — seems to be financially motivatedm, as the state rebounds from a ballooning deficit and the economic impact of Covid-19. Legalizing Marijuana Might Decrease Arrests, But it Won’t End Racial Profiling Weed Legalization 3.0: How New Jersey Could Be the Tipping Point for Legal Marijuana The 10 Most Bizarre Country Christmas Songs 12 Thrilling Facts About Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ Video “Despite the many challenges New York has faced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also created a number of opportunities to correct longstanding wrongs and build New York back better than ever before,” Governor Cuomo said in a statement. “Not only will legalizing and regulating the adult-use cannabis market provide the opportunity to generate much-needed revenue, but it also allows us to directly support the individuals and communities that have been most harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition.” Melissa Moore, New York State Director of the Drug Policy Alliance and member of Start SMART NY Coalition (Sensible Marijuana Access through Regulated Trade), said in a statement to Rolling Stone, “New York still has the opportunity to lead the country on cannabis legalization by establishing the most ambitious and progressive legalizati
Gov. Cuomo Announces Proposal to Legalize Marijuana in New York
