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NY Latest State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
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New York is Latest State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

New York adults over the age of 21 can now possess and use
marijuana - even in public - under a legalization bill signed
Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, though legal sales of
recreational-use cannabis wonCÇÖt start for an estimated 18 months
until regulations are set.

Passed after several years of stalled efforts, the measure makes
New York the 16th state to legalize adult use of the drug,
though South DakotaCÇÖs measure is in legal limbo.

New York becomes the second-most populous state, after
California, to legalize recreational marijuana. Legalization
backers hope the Empire State will add momentum and set an
example with its efforts to redress the inequities of a system
that has locked up people of color for marijuana offenses at
disproportionate rates.

"By placing community reinvestment, social equity, and justice
front and center, this law is the new gold standard for reform
efforts nationwide," said Melissa Moore, New York state director
of the Drug Policy Alliance.

The legislation provides protections for cannabis users in the
workplace, housing, family court, schools, colleges and
universities, and sets a target of providing half of marijuana
licenses to individuals from underrepresented communities. And
police could no longer use the odor of cannabis as a reason for
searching someoneCÇÖs car for contraband.

New York will start automatically expunging some past
marijuana-related convictions, and people wonCÇÖt be arrested or
prosecuted for possession of pot up to 3 ounces. A 2019 law
already expunged many past convictions and reduced the penalty
for possessing small amounts.

In a unique provision, New Yorkers 21 and over can now smoke
cannabis in public, including on sidewalks. No other state
allows that, said Paul Armentano, deputy director of
pro-legalization group NORML.

Still, New Yorkers can't smoke or vape marijuana in locations
where smoking is prohibited by state law, including workplaces,
indoor bars and restaurants and within 100 feet of a school.
And stricter local smoking rules apply: New York City bans
smoking in parks and on beaches, for instance.

Local governments can pass stricter rules on marijuana use,
prohibit retail dispensaries or cannabis lounges, and impose
small civil penalties CÇö as long as they donCÇÖt "completely or
essentially prohibit a person" from lawful marijuana use.

Mackenzie Stevenson, a portrait photographer and dental
assistant in central New York, was thrilled at the news. She
has a relative with epilepsy whoCÇÖs been greatly helped by
medical marijuana.

CÇ£I've seen the benefits it's had for her, so ICÇÖm excited for
more people to be able to benefit from it," the 20-year-old
said.

[...]
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FIDOGAZETTE Vol 15 No 05 Page 2 March 31, 2021


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