New York’s marijuana decriminalization law went into effect this week on Wednesday.
With marijuana officially decriminalized in the state, criminal penalties have been eliminated for public possession and use of marijuana.
Now unlawful possession of the drug is a violation that has a fine similar to a parking ticket.
For possessing less than an ounce of marijuana or $200 for one to two ounces, the penalty is $50.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has said marijuana convictions have disproportionally affected communities of color.
“This law is long overdue, and it is a significant step forward in our efforts to end this repressive cycle and ultimately mend our discriminatory criminal justice process once and for all,” Cuomo said, who supports the bill.
