New York authorities agreed to legalize marijuana: when and how the state will start selling 'weed'
'25.03.2021'
Lyudmila Balabay
New York state lawmakers struck a deal on March 24 to legalize recreational marijuana. Writes about this edition New York Post citing sources in the state parliament.
Measures to legalize marijuana are to be included in the state's 2022 budget proposals, which must be submitted to legislators no later than April 1.
The measures will allow New Yorkers over 21 to buy and own up to three ounces (85 grams) of marijuana for personal use, sources said. The sale of "herb" in licensed retail outlets in New York should begin in December 2022.
In addition, residents of the state will even be able to grow marijuana for personal use: up to six plants per person or up to 12 plants per family. However, they will be able to start personal cultivation only 18 months after the opening of the first licensed point of sale in the region.
The plan to legalize marijuana calls for a 9 percent tax on retail marijuana sales, which is projected to bring the state up to $ 300 million a year in new revenue.
Localities in the state that allow local sales or delivery of marijuana there may additionally tax these transactions at 4%. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to refuse to spread the “grass” on their territory.
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The deal reached by legislators includes the creation of a new regulatory agency in the state, the Office of Cannabis Management. He will deal with the licensing of manufacturers, the regulation of retail sales, delivery and consumption.
The unresolved issue at the moment is how the money received from taxes will be distributed. Of course, they will finance the work of the regulatory agency. It is proposed to divide the rest as follows: 40% for aid to schools, 40% for social security and 20% for treatment and public education.
The Office of Cannabis Management is required to report to a five-member council. Three will be appointed by the Governor, and one will be elected in the State Assembly and Senate.
