New York Lawmakers Set to Pass Bill Legalizing Marijuana Sales on Tuesday (UPDATED)
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A bill to legalize marijuana in New York has cleared committees in the Senate on Tuesday — so when will weed officially be legal in the state?
A vote on the bill, which would legalize marijuana sales to people 21 years and older, is expected to take place on Tuesday evening. If passed, New York would become the 16th state to legalize marijuana sales to adults and the third state where lawmakers approved the bill, as oppose to voters.
An initial agreement to allow recreational cannabis sales in New York was reached on Saturday, expanding the current medical marijuana program. The first panel to approve the bill was the Senate Finance Committee, whose members met on Tuesday and passed it swiftly in a voice vote.
Prior to the Senate vote on the bill, New York leadership sent out a press release vowing that they “will” pass the legislation.
“There were many important aspects of this legislation that needed to be addressed correctly — especially the racial disparities that have plagued our state’s response to marijuana use and distribution as well as ensuring public safety — and I am proud that through strong collaboration, we have reached the finish line,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “Thank you to the Senate sponsor, Senator Liz Krueger, for her tireless efforts to get this legislation advanced and done right. The Senate Democratic Majority is stepping up to give New Yorkers the fair and equitable adult-use marijuana market they deserve.”
If passed, the legislation would permit possession of up to three ounces of marijuana, and would allow New Yorkers to grow as many as six plants at home. Products sold at dispensaries will also have a 13 percent sales tax — meaning the product could produce tens of millions for the city budget.
Those with convictions for marijuana-related incidents made legal under the bill would also have their records automatically expunged.
Lawmakers are set to vote on the budget by Wednesday, as it has to be passed and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) by Thursday, April 1.
“After years of tireless advocacy and extraordinarily hard work, that time is coming to an end in New York State,” the governor said of the bill. “Legalizing adult-use cannabis isn’t just about creating a new market that will provide jobs and benefit the economy—it’s also about justice for long-marginalized communities and ensuring those who’ve been unfairly penalized in the past will now get a chance to benefit. I look forward to signing this legislation into law.”
While the legislation would take effect immediately if passed, making marijuana possession legal on Thursday, sales will not start until New York clarifies regulations and sets up a proposed cannabis board. On Friday, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes estimated that it could take 18 months to two years for sales to start.
Update — March 30, 7:26 p.m. ET: NY1 reporter Zack Fink confirmed that the New York State Senate passed the bill by a 40-23 vote on Tuesday evening.
NEW: New York State Senate passes bill legalizing recreational marijuana by a vote of 40 – 23
— Zack Fink (@ZackFinkNews) March 30, 2021
The Assembly vote is set to take place later on Tuesday evening.
