Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York state lawmakers have formally agreed in late-night talks on a deal to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and over, the Governor’s office announced on Sunday.
Once the underlying legislation passes — Cuomo’s Democratic party holds strong majorities in both legislative chambers — New York will join 14 other states and the District of Columbia in permitting cannabis use.
Tax revenue and creation of job
A statement from Cuomo’s office said the change could net an additional $350 million in annual tax revenues and create tens of thousands of jobs.
The draft law would allow adults 21 and over to purchase cannabis and grow plants for personal consumption at home, with a plan to divert some funds to drug treatment and education.
“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,” Cuomo said in the statement.
The law would take immediate effect once passed, but sales could take up to two years to start,…
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Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York state lawmakers have formally agreed in late-night talks on a deal to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and over, the Governor’s office announced on Sunday.
Once the underlying legislation passes — Cuomo’s Democratic party holds strong majorities in both legislative chambers — New York will join 14 other states and the District of Columbia in permitting cannabis use.
Tax revenue and creation of job
A statement from Cuomo’s office said the change could net an additional $350 million in annual tax revenues and create tens of thousands of jobs.
The draft law would allow adults 21 and over to purchase cannabis and grow plants for personal consumption at home, with a plan to divert some funds to drug treatment and education.
“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,” Cuomo said in the statement.
The law would take immediate effect once passed, but sales could take up to two years to start,…