In March 2021, Governor Cuomo signed marijuana legalization into law, following the state legislature’s overwhelmingly approval of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). What does the MRTA do? Allows the responsible use of marijuana by adults 21 and over within a tightly regulated system
Why Should We Legalize?
Reduce harm
The criminalization of marijuana use disproportionately harms young people and people of color, sponsors massive levels of violence and corruption, and fails to curb youth access.
Create jobs
Legalizing and regulating marijuana will bring one of the nation’s largest cash crops under the rule of law. This will create jobs and economic opportunities in the formal economy instead of the illicit market.
Save money
Scarce law enforcement resources will be better used to ensure public safety while reducing corrections and court costs. State and local governments would acquire significant new sources of tax revenue from regulating marijuana sales.
Promote consumer safety
Marijuana product testing is becoming a standard requirement for legalized marijuana markets. This means consumers are better informed about the marijuana they use.
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