Updated on December 17, 2021

With a swipe of Governor Andrew Cuomo's pen, New York became the 17^th state to legalize recreational cannabis. Following a quick vote in the Assembly and Senate committees on Tuesday, March 30^th, the New York legislature passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act before sending it to Governor Cuomo, who signed it the next day.

Support of the Act

After his reelection – when cannabis was a central issue in New York -- Governor Cuomo became very vocal about his desire to legalize the plant. Cannabis was even part of the 2021 state budget until lawmakers decided to address it separately.

"For generations, too many New Yorkers have been unfairly penalized for the use and sale of adult-use cannabis, arbitrarily arrested and jailed with harsh mandatory minimum sentences. After years of tireless advocacy and extraordinarily hard work, that time is coming to an end in New York State," Cuomo said.

But shortly after, however, Cuomo's enthusiasm, along with his political career, came to an abrupt end causing a drastic lag in progress.

When Will Adult-Use Cannabis Take Effect in New York?

The law immediately took effect after the Governor's signing. Still, experts predict New Yorkers will have to wait up to two years before they can start buying cannabis at local dispensaries. Likely sometime in 2023.

Check out Medical Mike’s recent blog for live updates on New York’s cannabis implementation progress.

How the Cannabis Legalization Affects New Yorkers Today

• Right now: New Yorkers over 21 can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrates.
• Right now: New Yorkers can smoke cannabis outdoors in the same areas where cigarettes are allowed. Since 2019, smoking cannabis in New York was only punishable by a fine. But as of the signing of this law, you can smoke cannabis anywhere you are allowed to smoke tobacco.
• Right now: Smoking in workplaces, schools, and cars is still illegal. The Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board might also create further regulations limiting where New Yorkers can smoke, and local municipalities can enforce stricter rules.
• Right now: Cannabis offenses from non-violent convictions will start to be erased from criminal records. Lawmakers say they will automatically delete records of cannabis-related convictions and include any actions that are no longer criminalized.
• Right now: The Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board was appointed in September to regulate the new industry. As of December 16, they have held four meetings on topics ranging from adult-use licenses, to medical marijuana, to hemp.
  
  

How The Law Will Affect New Yorkers in the Next Year or Two

• Soon: New York's medical cannabis program will expand by adding more qualifying medical conditions and product options to the list. Currently, flower products are not allowed under the state's medical program but will likely be permitted soon.
• By the end of 2021: Localities will be able to opt out of having local cannabis businesses, and they have until the end of the year to make a decision. But they will not be able to opt out of legalization.
• Sometime in 2023: New Yorkers will be able to go to a store and buy cannabis products.
• Sometime in 2023: New York's over 21 will be allowed to grow cannabis at home. Adults will be able to grow up to six cannabis plants, with three mature and three immature plants per adult. Each home will be allowed a maximum of 12 plants total.