One Brooklyn
March 31, 2021
“With the signing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, New York is finally turning the page on decades of misguided policies that disproportionately harmed communities of color. For years, I have called on the State Legislature and the Governor to chart a path toward legalization of marijuana that rectifies the profound racial inequities exacerbated by the failed ‘War on Drugs,’ while taking heed of public health and safety impacts. This legislation will do exactly that. Thousands of New Yorkers — most of them Black and Brown — will have previous arrests and convictions expunged, helping to make them whole again. Licensed cannabis vendors will be able to participate in a regulated market that will prioritize the individuals and communities hardest hit by criminalization. The MRTA also puts in place sensible safety measures to ensure those who are under the influence cannot harm themselves or others. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Albany, State regulators, and grassroots advocates to ensure the new system is implemented fairly and equitably.”
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