Embattled New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday signed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana.
Priorities.
“This is a historic day in New York — one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State’s economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits,” Cuomo said in a statement.
#BREAKING: I just signed legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis.
The bill creates automatic expungement of previous marijuana convictions that would now be legal.
This is a historic day.
I thank the Leader and Speaker and the tireless advocacy of so many.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 31, 2021
The measure passed the Senate on a 40-23 party-line vote and the Assembly with a 100-49 vote.
New York will set up a cannabis board to draw up rules around sales.
Pix11 reported that New York will set up a 9% sales tax on cannabis, plus a 4% tax split between the county and local government.