Following back-to-back votes in the Senate and Assembly, a bill to legalize cannabis in New York is heading to Gov. Cuomo’s desk.

Leaders on Tuesday made it clear that they intended to quickly advance the legislation. The latest text of the bill was released on Saturday. Yet it moved through four committees and passed on the floor in both chambers within hours. The long road to legalize cannabis is coming to an end.

The Senate approved the measure in a 40-23 vote, and the Assembly passed it 100-49.

Governor’s Remarks

Governor Andrew Cuomo shared his thoughts yesterday in a statement on the legislation passed by the NYS Legislature. “Tonight, the New York State Legislature took the first step in a major leap forward for the Empire State by passing legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis…”

“For too long the prohibition of cannabis disproportionately targeted communities of color with harsh prison sentences and after years of hard work, this landmark legislation provides justice for long-marginalized communities, embraces a new industry that will grow the economy, and establishes substantial safety guards for the public.”

Cuomo finished by saying, “New York has a storied history of being the progressive capital of the nation, and this important legislation will once again carry on that legacy. I look forward to signing this legislation into law.”

Legalization Advances

On Tuesday, multiple committees in both chambers advanced the legalization bill. The first panel to do so was the Senate Finance Committee, where members passed it in a voice vote after just minutes of discussion.

In the Assembly, the Codes Committee advanced the legislation, reporting it to the Ways & Means Committee, where it also quickly passed. Finally, the chamber’s Rule Committee took it up and cleared the bill’s path to the floor. To read the full article click here.

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