New York Begins The Process of Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

On March 25, 2021, lawmakers in New York and the governor, Andrew Cuomo, finalized a deal to hasten the legalization of recreational cannabis. This milestone occurred after the state lagged behind other progressive states on the issue of cannabis.

The Senate Finance Committee chair stated that the cannabis agreement would legalize the use of recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 years and older. The personal possession of cannabis would be permitted for up to three ounces. Cafes in the style of those in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, would also be established, where cannabis could be smoked. There would be a 13 percent sales tax on cannabis, of which 9 percent would go to the state,and the remaining 4 percent would be allocated to local governments.

In addition to these aspects of the new cannabis law in the state of New York, cannabis distributors would pay an excise tax, and this tax could be as much as three cents per milligram of THC, since it is the active ingredient in cannabis. This type of tax would be on a sliding scale basis, based on the type and strength of the cannabis product. Also included in this deal would be the choice of towns, cities and villages not to permit the sales and delivery of cannabis in their jurisdictions.

This cannabis bill is scheduled to be a matter for the Senate and for the State Assembly, close to when the New York state budget is due next week.