The police of New York City will no longer arrest anyone for smoking Marijuana but will warn them. This is according to directives of the city’s mayor Bill de Blasio. A report by the city’s Department of Health has endorsed legalizing recreational marijuana because its positive effects far outweigh the negatives. At present, the drug is authorized only for medical use.
Daily Mail UK reports that such an action by the authorities will allow the industry to operate freely and boost the economy. Governor Andrew Cuomo had commissioned the study in January, and the report has now been released.
He will install a committee to evolve the methodology of implementation.
New York City to tap the market
Massachusetts and New Jersey are two states that border New York City. Massachusetts has already legalized recreational marijuana and plans to open retail stores. New Jersey is also considering legalization. Gov. Andrew Cuomo feels NYC should also follow suit because anyone can cross into one of these neighboring states to lay hands on the drug.
According to Daily Mail UK, legalizing the drug could mean millions in taxes from those who use it illegally. The underground market in the city is believed to be of the order of $3.5 billion from the annual sale of nearly 300 tons of weed.
Smoking marijuana can lead to health issues, but one plus point of legalizing the drug is that it will help the police.
They will be relieved from getting involved in petty charges related to smoking marijuana.
Legalizing recreational marijuana will benefit New York City
Buffalo News notes that nine states and Washington, D.C., have taken action to legalize marijuana use for those who are older than 21. The Andrew Cuomo administration has in its hand a 74-page report on the subject of legalizing the drug for recreational use in New York State.
The report has weighed all the pros and cons and concluded that, in spite of many ill effects, there are a number of plus points too. Most important of these is the possibility of New York City generating additional tax revenue.
The report has made certain recommendations. The first of these is that there should be an age limit on who can buy.
This should not be lower than 21. Another is the maximum amount in a single transaction which should be restricted to an ounce. The third aspect is expunging the criminal records of those who have been convicted of offenses that are related to marijuana. This will send a positive message to society.
