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New York Governor Signs Cannabis Legalization Bill

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New York Governor Signs Cannabis Legalization Bill

March 31, 2021 – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signs cannabis legalization bill into law. Thus, legalizing cannabis. It was signed just hours after lawmakers sent it to his desk the night before. By signing this legislation into law, it makes New York the 15th state to legalize cannabis. They will be the second-largest market for cannabis.

Earl Blumenauer posted on Twitter, “A long overdue domino falls in our fight to end the failed war on drugs! Next step: Legalizing cannabis at the federal level.”

Gov. Cuomo said, “This was one of my top priorities in this year’s State of the State agenda and I’m proud these comprehensive reforms address and balance the social equity, safety and economic impacts of legal adult-use cannabis.”

To read a summary of the main components of the cannabis legalization bill click here.

The Steps for Legalization

Although the bill moved quickly through the legislature. Negotiations to craft the measure took months to complete. Because it took many deals and compromises between the governor and legislative leaders to get the bill into shape.

Moreover, Cuomo made several concessions to the legislature that differed greatly from the legalization plan he originally proposed in his annual budget. But he also proposed amendments to his legislation, hoping to address certain concerns from advocates and lawmakers.

Rep. Nadler tweeted in response to New York legalizing cannabis. Nadler wrote, “This is what progress looks like. Now, let’s pass the MORE Act and decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. It’s long past time.”

Legalization is a Win for Everyone

Throughout the long road to legalization, there was speculation surrounding Governor Cuomo. First, it was the growing sexual harassment allegations against the governor. Then it moved to the controversy over how the state handled the nursing home COVID-19 death data. Some believed that this would leave the governor with less political clout to negotiate on behalf of his proposal over that of the lawmakers.

Either way, this is a huge win for advocates, and they will take the win.

The state Department of Labor said that cannabis legalization will help to create up to 60K new jobs. This includes a program encouraging individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement to participate in the legal industry.

The Department of Financial Services said new cannabis tax revenue will “help New York State’s economy rebuild and recover during this difficult time.” Now state regulators will begin the process of promulgating rules to implement the new law. 

Town of Hempstead Response to Legalization

Despite this great victory, not everyone is on board. The governing board of the Town of Hempstead in Long Island wants all of its 59 municipalities to opt-out of selling cannabis.

Hempstead is the largest town in the state of New York and the entire United States for that matter.

“The Town Board is united in its opposition to the sale of recreational marijuana and also stands firmly against ‘on premises’ consumption of marijuana at facilities within the Town of Hempstead,” said Town of Hempstead spokesman Greg Blower.

So far, four mayors of Long Island villages, in the Town of Hempstead said they would forbid the sale of cannabis in their areas: Freeport, Rockville, Centre, Atlantic Beach, and Island Park.

But some of the villages in the Town of Hempstead are incorporated and therefore are not legally bound by the town’s decision. Municipalities that refuse to sell cannabis forego the sales tax revenue. 

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