New York Set To Legalize Marijuana, Let Residents Grow Their Own Weed

New York lawmakers are signaling they’ve reached a compromise to legalize marijuana for adult use in the state. The proposition has long been stuck over budgetary conflicts, but the New York Daily News reports the state could soon be growing and buying their own cannabis.

Aside from the ramifications for individuals, the governor’s office will establish a licensing program allowing dispensaries to operate. Officials estimate taxes on the burgeoning industry could reach $350 million each year.

“I think we are really, really, really close on marijuana,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. The bill could be made public as soon as “the next day or so.”

Sources told the Daily News that adults could legally carry three ounces. They will also be able to keep up to six marijuana plants in their house, with a limit of 12 per household.

The ultimate agreement on taxation settled at a 9% tax on sales, with counties able to add an additional four percent. Cities and towns can opt out if desired.

The industry will be overseen by a new Office of Cannabis Management, controlling businesses from wholesale growers to “consumption sites.”

The remaining tax money will be split, 20% going to treatment and public education, 40% to the state’s education fund and 40% to a social equity fund.

“This year we have to get it done, and getting it done by the time the budget is passed is essential,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

Another conflict the bill resolves is how law enforcement would handle intoxicated drivers: driving while under the influence of cannabis would be a misdemeanor charge of “driving while ability impaired.”

Officers would also be able to use the scent of cannabis as a reason to suspect a driver is intoxicated, though it would not be a reason to search the vehicle.