Lawmakers and Governor Cuomo have struck a deal to legalize recreational marijuana in New York State. A vote could come as soon as this week.
The deal announced by the governor over the weekend would allow those ages 21 and older to buy and posses up to three ounces of weed. It would also permit people to grow a small number of marijuana plants at home. Melissa Moore with the Drug Policy Alliance says communities of color will greatly benefit because she says they have been unfairly targeted with marijuana enforcement.
“This bill would actually lock in community reinvestment from the cannabis tax revenue to the communities that have been the hardest hit by criminalization that’s caused life long impacts and consequences.”
Tax revenue from marijuana is expected to bring in 350 million dollars annually and create 30 to 60 thousand jobs.