New Yorkers may soon feel a little safer on the streets smoking pot.
The Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, has instructed the NYPD to stop arresting people smoking weed in public.
CNN has reported that the Mayor has formed a special task force that will be responsible for the next steps in legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.
Once the new policy is in effect, people who violate the law and smoke marijuana in public will be issued a summons. Currently the people are arrested, then fingerprinted, and have to appear in court.
“The dual mission of the Manhattan DA’s office is a safer New York and a more equal justice system,” stated Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance. “The ongoing arrest and criminal prosecution of predominantly black and brown New Yorkers for smoking marijuana serves neither of these goals.”
Changes to NYPD’s policy on smoking marijuana in public will not take effect until after summer.
