New York: cannabis legalization plan tabled for 2021

New York lawmakers representing nearly one-third of the state Senate introduced a bill on Tuesday to legalize cannabis in the state.

Democratic Senator Liz Krueger and 18 co-sponsors introduced the bill, which would allow adults aged 21 and older to purchase cannabis and grow up to six plants for personal use.

This is the fifth version of the legalization bill that the senator has introduced since 2013. Supporters are hopeful that the measure will move forward this year, given the changing political landscape surrounding cannabis in the region, particularly in the neighboring state of New Jersey, and at the national level, as well as the support from Governor Andrew Cuomo.

«It is high time for New York State to catch up with our neighbors and legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis for adult use,» said declared Krueger told Marijuana Moment, «In my opinion, the most compelling reason to do this has always been to put an end to the unnecessary and destructive impact of the so-called «war on drugs» on communities of color.»

«But now, in light of the pandemic’s impact, the potential for legalization to create new jobs, economic growth, and additional tax revenue for the state is greater than ever,» she said. «I am cautiously optimistic about our chances of succeeding and doing this right, so that resources are directed toward the communities most directly affected by the failure of prohibitionist policies.»

The text of the legislation includes a series of provisions aimed at redressing the harm caused by prohibition and promoting social equity. It provides for automatic amnesties for those who have previously been convicted of cannabis offenses and includes, for example, low-interest or interest-free loans for eligible applicants who wish to start a cannabis business.

A tax of 18% would be imposed on cannabis sales. After covering implementation costs, the revenue from these taxes would be allocated to three areas: 25% to the state lottery fund, provided it is earmarked for the Ministry of Education; 25% for a substance abuse treatment and public education fund; and 50% for a community grant reinvestment fund.

Cuomo tried to legalize cannabis by including it in the federal budget over the past two years, without success so far. This is largely due to disagreements over certain provisions, such as the tax structure and the distribution of cannabis revenues. Meanwhile, the Cannabis has been decriminalized in New York State.