Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

New York decriminalises use of cannabis

11 states and Washington DC gave legalised its personal use

Andrew Buncombe
Seattle
Monday 29 July 2019 12:48 BST
Comments
Trump says he really supports senate marijuana legislation

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

New York has decriminalised the use of marijuana – becoming the 16th US state to do so.

The move, which would make possession of a small amount of the drug a violation rather than a felony, was signed into law by governor Andrew Cuomo.

The measure also demands that criminal records of offences linked to low-level marijuana cases either be marked as expunged, or destroyed – an apparent reflection that in the past communities of colour suffered unduly from different application of the law.

“Communities of colour have been disproportionately impacted by laws governing marijuana for far too long, and today we are ending this injustice once and for all,” Mr Cuomo said in a statement.

In many respects, the decision by politicians in the state capital, Albany, is behind the trend in many parts of the country.

While New York has become the 16th to decriminalise the drug’s use, 11 states plus the Districts of Columbia, otherwise known was Washington DC, have legalised personal use. Its use remains a federal crime.

Those pushing for greater liberalisation welcomed the move, but urged legislators to go further. Some said there were still many negative consequences that come with having marijuana as an illegal violation.

Missouri police raid stage 4 pancreatic cancer patient's hospital room for marijuana

“Police have historically found a way to work around the decriminalisation of marijuana,” said Erin George, of Citizen Action of New York.

People can still face probation violations and immigration consequences under the decriminalisation bill, she said.

The legislation signed by Mr Cuomo will make possession of less than one ounce of marijuana punishable by a fine of up to $50. Possession of two ounces will carry a fine of up to $200

The penalty is $50 for possessing less than one ounce of pot or a maximum of $200 for one to two ounces. It will go into affect in 30 days.

Additional reporting by Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in