New York state lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday legalizing recreational marijuana, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he would sign it.
With this bill supported by both houses of the state, where Cuomo's Democratic Party holds a strong majority, New York will join the other 14 U.S. states and the District of Columbia authorizing the use of cannabis.
"For too long, the cannabis ban has disproportionately targeted communities of color with heavy prison sentences," the New York governor said in a statement.
"This historic legislation does justice to long-marginalized communities, embraces a new industry that will grow the economy and establish substantial safeguards for the public," Cuomo said.
The law will allow adults aged 21 and over to purchase cannabis and grow plants at home for personal consumption and redirect funds to addiction treatment and education.
New York State will automatically erase the records of people who have already been convicted of marijuana-related offenses, which will no longer be considered marijuana.
The law will also remove penalties for possession of three ounces of the drug (85 grams), the new personal possession limit and the existing medical marijuana distribution program will be expanded.
Mr. Cuomo's office said the change could bring in an additional $350 million in annual tax revenue and create tens of thousands of jobs.
The state plans to tax marijuana sales at 9%.
The decision comes as Mr. Cuomo is under investigation for sexual harassment and intimidation and his administration is accused of orchestrating the cover-up of deaths in Covid-19-related retirement homes.