Governor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

This week Governor Cuomo signed legislation (S.6579A/A.8420) decriminalizing marijuana use in New York State. This legislation reduces the penalty for unlawful possession of marijuana to a violation punishable by a fine for amounts under two ounces, and creates a process for individuals who have been convicted for possessing small amounts of marijuana to have their records expunged. The bill will take effect at the end of August.

Governor Cuomo said:

“Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by laws governing marijuana for far too long, and today we are ending this injustice once and for all. By providing individuals who have suffered the consequences of an unfair marijuana conviction with a path to have their records expunged and by reducing draconian penalties, we are taking a critical step forward in addressing a broken and discriminatory criminal justice process.”