The road to legalize recreational marijuana in New York State has been a long one, but after our New Jersey neighbors made it official, it likes look we are next in line!
Multiple reports, like from CBS and the Wall Street Journal, say they have sources that have confirmed New York officials have locked down a deal to move forward with legalization throughout the state.
The bill could be voted on as soon as next week, before the state budget is due on April 1. If passed, about $300 million in state revenue could be possible for NY.
The news came out just after Governor Cuomo held a press conference earlier today (March 24) where he emphasized legalizing marijuana as a top priority for the new budget, explaining how he has been trying to legalize it for three years, saying: “This year we have to get it done. Getting it done before the budget is passed is essential.”
According to the reports, the proposed legislation includes:
- Decriminalizing the possession of marijuana, up to three ounces
- A 9 percent state tax on retail sales of marijuana
- Allowing local cities and town to add an additional 4 percent sales tax, or could even decide against local sales and deliveries in their jurisdiction
- Residents would be allowed to home-grow their own marijuana for personal use, up to 6 plants per person or 12 per household
- A “state regulatory agency” to issue licenses to growers & oversee businesses
We could find out by next week if it’s official! Still, even if it finally is passed, sales wouldn’t begin until December 2022, according to the NY Post.
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