Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has unveiled a plan this week to make New York the 11th state to legalize marijuana.
The Governor has revealed the details of his proposal to legalize marijuana in New York on Tuesday during a budget address. The proposal would restrict access to anyone under 21, and automatically seal marijuana offenses on a person’s criminal record. Legislation would generate roughly $300 million in new tax revenues.
“Let’s stop the disproportionate impact on communities of color,” said Cuomo. He added, “Let’s create an industry that empowers the poor communities that paid the price and not the rich corporations that come in to make a profit.”
His proposal requires the Office of Cannabis Management to prioritize businesses owned by minorities, women and struggling farmers when deciding who to award marijuana business licenses to.
“We have to do it in a way that creates an economic opportunity for poor communities and people who paid the price and not for rich corporations who are going to come in to make a buck,” Cuomo remarked.
“We want to see a policy that is responsive to the lives of New Yorkers, not solely business interests,” commented Kassandra Frederique, state director of the Drug Policy Alliance.
