New York State Senate passes bill to legalize recreational weed

The New York State Senate on Tuesday voted 40-23 to pass a bill to legalize recreational marijuana. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he would sign it after agreeing with state lawmakers on the framework just days ago.

The New York State Assembly is also expected to vote on the bill.

If the bill is signed, the Empire State would become the fifteenth state in the country, along with the District of Columbia, to have legalized the drug for recreational use.

New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio has said he supports the legislation on the basis of racial equity. “I think this bill goes a long way. I think there’s more to do after, but it goes a long way,” De Blasio said, according to WDTV ABC 11.

Black and Brown New Yorkers made up 94% of marijuana-related arrests by New York Police in 2020, even though white New Yorkers use marijuana at the same rates.

The move to legalize weed comes after neighboring state New Jersey recently legalized the plant. Lawmakers’ goal was to pass the bill as part of the state budget before the April 1 deadline. [Read more at CNBC]