Seeing the success of New Jersey and other state’s legislative efforts, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced plans for a system to oversee and regulate the Cannabis industry in the state of New York in his 2021 State of the State address.
This proposal is the culmination of three years of decriminalization movements, including unlawful possession in the state of the New York. The proposal will see a new office of Cannabis Management to oversee the adult use and existing hemp programs. In addition, they will create a structure for the adult use market by offering opportunities to minorities, people impacted severely by the War on Drugs.
"Despite the many challenges New York has faced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also created a number of opportunities to correct long standing wrongs and build New York back better than ever before,” Governor Cuomo said. “Not only will legalizing and regulating the adult-use cannabis market provide the opportunity to generate much-needed revenue, but it also allows us to directly support the individuals and communities that have been most harmed by decades of cannabis prohibition."[1]
The legislation will also create regulations and impose an age limit on sales to 21 and older. It will also create programs to research and contribute resource to affected communities.
[1] https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-proposal-legalize-and-create-equitable-adult-use-cannabis-program-part