• FidoGazette Vol 15 no 05 Page: 2

    From Janis Kracht@1:261/38 to All on Wed Mar 31 17:48:06 2021
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    NY Latest State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
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    New York is Latest State to Legalize Recreational Marijuana

    New York adults over the age of 21 can now possess and use
    marijuana - even in public - under a legalization bill signed
    Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, though legal sales of
    recreational-use cannabis wonCÇÖt start for an estimated 18 months
    until regulations are set.

    Passed after several years of stalled efforts, the measure makes
    New York the 16th state to legalize adult use of the drug,
    though South DakotaCÇÖs measure is in legal limbo.

    New York becomes the second-most populous state, after
    California, to legalize recreational marijuana. Legalization
    backers hope the Empire State will add momentum and set an
    example with its efforts to redress the inequities of a system
    that has locked up people of color for marijuana offenses at
    disproportionate rates.

    "By placing community reinvestment, social equity, and justice
    front and center, this law is the new gold standard for reform
    efforts nationwide," said Melissa Moore, New York state director
    of the Drug Policy Alliance.

    The legislation provides protections for cannabis users in the
    workplace, housing, family court, schools, colleges and
    universities, and sets a target of providing half of marijuana
    licenses to individuals from underrepresented communities. And
    police could no longer use the odor of cannabis as a reason for
    searching someoneCÇÖs car for contraband.

    New York will start automatically expunging some past
    marijuana-related convictions, and people wonCÇÖt be arrested or
    prosecuted for possession of pot up to 3 ounces. A 2019 law
    already expunged many past convictions and reduced the penalty
    for possessing small amounts.

    In a unique provision, New Yorkers 21 and over can now smoke
    cannabis in public, including on sidewalks. No other state
    allows that, said Paul Armentano, deputy director of
    pro-legalization group NORML.

    Still, New Yorkers can't smoke or vape marijuana in locations
    where smoking is prohibited by state law, including workplaces,
    indoor bars and restaurants and within 100 feet of a school.
    And stricter local smoking rules apply: New York City bans
    smoking in parks and on beaches, for instance.

    Local governments can pass stricter rules on marijuana use,
    prohibit retail dispensaries or cannabis lounges, and impose
    small civil penalties CÇö as long as they donCÇÖt "completely or
    essentially prohibit a person" from lawful marijuana use.

    Mackenzie Stevenson, a portrait photographer and dental
    assistant in central New York, was thrilled at the news. She
    has a relative with epilepsy whoCÇÖs been greatly helped by
    medical marijuana.

    CÇ£I've seen the benefits it's had for her, so ICÇÖm excited for
    more people to be able to benefit from it," the 20-year-old
    said.

    [...]
    tinyurl.com/3vv6dbay
    https://www.wral.com/

    FIDOGAZETTE Vol 15 No 05 Page 2 March 31, 2021


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