Now That Marijuana Is Legalized Statewide, What Can You Really Do?


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NEW YORK – Now that recreational marijuana is legalized in New York State, many are asking what specifically is included in the law? Here is the breakdown: 

Right now, people 21 and older can use, smoke, ingest or otherwise consume marijuana and other related products. However, it is illegal to drive a while under the influence of marijuana.


New York has also eliminated penalties for possession of less than three ounces of cannabis for those 21 and older, with a greater quantity allowed to be stored at home in a secured place.

The bill also automatically expunged records of people with past convictions for marijuana-related offenses that would no longer be criminalized. That’s a step beyond a 2019 law that expunged many past convictions for marijuana possession and reduced the penalty for possessing small amounts.

The legislation took effect immediately upon the bill’s signing, though sales will not start immediately.



Legal buying and selling of recreational marijuana will take a while as New York sets up rules and a proposed cannabis board. Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes estimated Friday it could take 18 months to two years for sales to start.

The governor’s office will begin setting up a brand new agency called the Office of Cannabis Management. The agency will establish guidelines and issue licenses for marijuana farming, processing, distribution, dispensaries and even retail consumption sites.

Penalties still apply for people selling illegally, without a license. You can give cannabis products to others who meet the legal requirements, though.

However, you can’t use marijuana products at dispensaries, except for designated consumption sites, similar to a cigar lounge.



Patients looking to grow medical marijuana at home can do so six months after the bill is enacted.

Those planning to grow recreational marijuana can do so 18 months after the opening of the first dispensary, so as to allow the commercial sale of cannabis products to get set up.

New Yorkers can grow up to six plants at home and up to 12 plants per household.

 

1 Comment

  1. Funny how “home growers” won’t be able to do so for 18 months AFTER the 1st dispensary, so that the governor’s “friends & family” will have a chance to set up 1st and corner the market.

    If you think this is about the benefits of cannabis, or racial inequality, your a fool.

    Profits & Taxes…

    It’s a distraction, NEVER FORGET .. Cuomo sending 15,000 people to their deaths in nursing homes

    Having the time to write a book, preferential treatment for covid for his friends, family, and rich acquaintances

    #METOO, what are we up to 9 women…. there is a pattern here

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