The New York State Senate voted 40-23 in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use.
It will allow the sale of marijuana to people over 21 in a sweeping, groundbreaking bill that allows New York to join other states that have legalize it.
The bill now goes to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk, who has 10 days to sign- or veto it. The bill is expected to be signed in the coming days.
The revenue derived from a 14% total tax will be broken down between state and local municipalities, allowing the funds to be used for helping those that have been negatively impacted by the war on drugs over the last two decades.
Medical marijuana has already been legal in the state, but the new bill allows for an expansion of that category, too.
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