At the end of last month, New York became the 15th state to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, with a focus on social equity and expanding the medical cannabis program. Here is a breakdown of the key points of one of the most ambitious cannabis programs in the country:
40% of tax revenue from cannabis sales will go to communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
People convicted of cannabis offenses that are no longer criminalized will have their records automatically expunged.
Individuals can now possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis for recreational purposes or 24 grams of concentrate.
New Yorkers are permitted to smoke cannabis in public wherever smoking tobacco is allowed.
Cannabis delivery services will eventually be permitted.
Cannabis lounges will eventually be permitted.
Home cultivation up to 6 plants will be permitted.
Half of business licenses should be issued to “social equity applicants.” That includes people from communities with high rates of cannabis enforcement, as well as businesses owned by women and minorities, distressed farmers, and disabled veterans. Priority will also be given to applicants who have a cannabis-related conviction, or a close relative with such a conviction.
This legislation was also a big win for the medical cannabis program in the state:
Patients no longer restricted from smoking cannabis flower, which is more affordable.
They could also receive up to a 60-day supply of cannabis, an expansion of the current 30-day cap.
Practitioners will have the discretion to recommend medical marijuana for any condition, rather than the limited number of conditions that qualified in the previous program.
“Through this sweeping legislation, New York is delivering reforms that place community reinvestment, social equity, and justice at the core of the law.” - Melissa Moore, state director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a national advocacy organization.
You can read more about the legislation HERE.
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