N.Y. to fast-track cannabis legalization

PLATTSBURGH | According to the New York State Association of Counties, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the legislature have reached a three-way agreement to legalize adult-use cannabis sales. The legislation would also allow for club-like cannabis lounges, home delivery, and for New Yorkers to grow a limited number of cannabis plants in their homes. Officials said while the legislation is not yet available, it is being reported that there will be a 13-percent sales tax, 9-percent of which would go to the state and 4-percent to localities. The 4-percent local funding will be split 3-percent to municipalities and 1-percent to counties. NYSAC is aggressively advocating to change that formula to a traditional sales tax sharing or a 2/2 split, officials said March 26. Cities, towns, and villages would have until the end of the year or nine months after the bill taking effect, whichever is later, to pass a local law to opt-out of having dispensaries within their borders. Municipalities will also be allowed to opt-out of allowing social consumption sites. It would be about two years until legal sales could begin at retail locations. People over the age of 21 will be permitted to grow six plants indoors or outdoors, up to 12 total plants per household, for personal consumption. Localities could not overrule the right of residents to grow marijuana at home, but they could regulate the activity. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office estimates that a legal cannabis program will bring in $350 million in revenue annually once fully implemented. The Legislature is expected to vote on the stand-alone legislation as early April.

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N.Y. to fast-track cannabis legalization

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