You can now get recreational weed in New York!
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill Wednesday afternoon allowing recreational marijuana use by adults 21 and older after the state Senate and Assembly voted to approve the legislation.
The bill will make cannabis legal and generate revenue with a 13% sales tax. It’s expected to bring in more than $350 million a year for the state and create up to 60,000 new jobs.
Additionally, all marijuana convictions for possession of what will now be the legal limit will be expunged.
“This is a historic day in New York — one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State’s economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits,” Cuomo said in a statement.
New York will become the 15th U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana.
#BREAKING: I just signed legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 31, 2021
The bill creates automatic expungement of previous marijuana convictions that would now be legal.
This is a historic day.
I thank the Leader and Speaker and the tireless advocacy of so many.