Officials report 2.7 million New Yorkers use marijuana monthly
According to New York's state cannabis regulators, approximately 2.7 million people in the state consume marijuana at least once a month. Marijuana is one of the most commonly consumed drugs in the United States and New York City has been identified as "an established market" by officials. Significantly, the state legalized the use of recreational marijuana in 2021.
Many are bought from illegal distributors
As per the US Department of Health and Human Services, about one-fifth of New Yorkers who use weed get it from illegal sources and distributors. This has been observed from the steady rise in the usage of marijuana among New Yorkers. State officials in New York are making efforts to evict and eradicate illegal and unlicensed weed shops from the area.
Is it legal to smoke weed in New York?
In March 2021, New York legalized adult-use cannabis by passing the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. Under this, those 21 and older are allowed to possess up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis for personal use in the state of New York. A new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) governed by Cannabis Control Board was created to oversee and implement the law.
Licensed sales have been slow and steady
Reportedly, the state has rolled out programs to create a legal marketplace for cannabis goods. According to the New York Times, licensed cannabis dealers have sold $33 million (around Rs. 270 crore) in weed and edible products till now. Currently, about 20 licensed dispensaries are open and running in the state with 40 more in the pipeline, as per the regulators.
Transitioning to a legal and regulated market
"The hard work is just beginning as New York makes this transition from an unlicensed, unregulated market to a legal, regulated cannabis market," states John Kagia, the state Office of Cannabis Management's policy director in his report.
New York governor warns unlicensed stores
Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul reportedly warned the unlicensed stores that the state's "aggressive" enforcement plan would crackdown all the stores. "I want to send a message loud and clear across the state that if you're operating illegally, you will be caught and you will be stopped. It is just not worth it," she said as quoted by The New York Times.
