Lawmakers Opposed to Marijuana Legalization Warn Marijuana Legalization Will Make It Easier for Young People to Access Drugs Communities and Roads Less Safe
The legalization of recreational marijuana in New York State has officially become law. Pictured is a file photo of Cuomo signing the document.
On Tuesday night, March 30, the New York State Senate and Assembly voted separately to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana. New York Governor Cuomo immediately signed the bill the next day (March 31), and New York is the 15th state in the nation to legalize marijuana, but opponents worry that legalizing marijuana will negatively impact road safety, youth development, and social security, and that its destructive power will offset the tax revenue.
After the legalization of marijuana, New Yorkers over the age of 21 will be allowed to possess and use recreational marijuana, and past criminal records of New York State residents regarding the purchase and sale of marijuana will be automatically expunged.
On the evening of the 30th, the State Senate passed “S.854-A” by a vote of 40-23, and the Assembly passed “A.1248-A” by a vote of 100-49.
Cuomo’s office issued a statement on the 30th, saying that for too long marijuana laws have disproportionately targeted communities of color and imposed harsh penalties, saying the bill provides justice for long-marginalized communities. New York State Attorney General Letitia James (D) also expressed support for the bill.
According to state lawmakers, about 1.5 million people in New York regularly use marijuana, including 750,000 in New York City; possession, cultivation or sale of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. People who smoke marijuana experience decreased concentration, leading to distorted senses and negative effects such as anxiety and depression.
State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the new bill not only means legalizing marijuana, but also ends decades of New York state laws that targeted communities of color.
But some lawmakers who voted against the recreational marijuana legalization bill warned that the bill contains provisions that would make life in New York State more dangerous. State House Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Texas) said, “Legalizing marijuana gives young people more access to the drug … and exponentially increases the safety risks in our communities and on our roads,” and that “a policy of mandatory lockdown pushes New York into a financial deficit, while Marijuana advocates are pushing legalization at the expense of public health and safety, even though it may improve New York State’s finances.”
New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (D), on the other hand, cited concerns about road safety, young children’s development, and quality of life.
In addition, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn issued a statement saying, “Marijuana is a harmful substance that is unhealthy and has the same carcinogenic effects as cigarettes… It is not a good thing for us in New York or for society, and recreational marijuana use diminishes sensory perception. “
New York joins 14 other states, two territories and Washington, D.C., in allowing adult recreational marijuana use; Politico reports that with the passage of the law in New York, more than two-thirds of the 56 million people in the Eastern United States will live in states that have legalized recreational marijuana. The scale increases pressure on Washington, D.C., to perhaps ease restrictions on marijuana from the federal level.
Under the bill passed in New York, the law allows New York residents over the age of 21 to possess 3 ounces of recreational marijuana, or no more than 24 grams of marijuana concentrate, outside the home; individuals may grow up to three mature and three immature marijuana plants indoors for their own use only, with a maximum of 12 plants per household indoors and outdoors; and may store up to 5 pounds of marijuana in their homes.
The bill would allow New York to begin selling marijuana as soon as next year, when the state would provide licenses for marijuana producers, distributors and retailers and other participants to allow adults 21 and older to purchase marijuana, with purchasers taking a 9 percent state sales tax and a 4 percent local tax. Cuomo said in a statement that the bill is expected to generate $350 million in annual tax revenue for the state.
The bill also allows local governments in cities, towns and villages the authority to opt out of local licensing of recreational marijuana retail dispensaries and consumption establishments, provided local laws are passed by Dec. 31, 2021.
Although 15 states have legalized “recreational marijuana,” federal law still classifies marijuana as a federally controlled substance, and possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana may result in denial of citizenship because it does not meet the “good moral character” requirement for U.S. citizenship as set forth in the USCIS “Policy Guidance. The USCIS “Policy Guidance” requires “good moral character” (GMC) for naturalization.
Recent Comments