New York Decriminalizes Possession of Up to 56 Grams of Marijuana
On June 20, the New York State Senate passed a law decriminalizing the possession of marijuana weighing up to 2 ounces (56.7 grams). The following day, the bill was approved by the Assembly and sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his signature.
Fines for Marijuana Possession in New York
The bill was supported by 39 senators, while 23 voted against it. The document outlines three main provisions:
- A $50 fine for possession of up to 1 ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana;
- A $200 fine for possession of 1 to 2 ounces;
- Those previously convicted for possession of up to 2 ounces can apply for amnesty.
Full Legalization Still in the Works
Many New Yorkers had hoped that authorities would fully lift the ban on marijuana, but lawmakers decided not to rush the process. According to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the decriminalization law is a starting point on the path toward full legalization.
The bill was lobbied for by the Drug Policy Alliance, led by New York chapter director Kassandra Frederique. She stated that, thanks to the removal of criminal penalties for possession of up to 2 ounces, about 900,000 people will be able to clear their records of criminal charges.
According to city comptroller Scott Stringer, legalization in New York State would create a legal marijuana market with an annual turnover of $3.1 billion, with about a third of that coming from New York City. Tax revenues would amount to $436 million per year for the state and $336 million for the city.
In 2017, Andrew Cuomo called marijuana a “gateway drug” and opposed changing the regulations governing its use. Nevertheless, he approved the decriminalization law, stating in an interview: “This bill will bring major changes. It will improve the situation in society, especially in neighborhoods where Black and Latino residents have paid a high price.”
By “high price,” the governor was referring to the fact that white people are arrested for marijuana possession much less frequently. Official data shows that Black people are prosecuted 8.1 times more often, and Latinos five times more often.
Medical Marijuana Law in New York
In 2014, New York legalized medical marijuana, but the law only allows the use of pharmaceutical products based on the plant; marijuana itself remains prohibited. A special program for patients was created in the state, and there are now plans to expand it. In particular, doctors will be able to prescribe cannabinoids for any illness (currently, the list is limited to 17 conditions).