Chances are you didn't graze through the 2020 New York State Executive Budget, nor the 100 plus pages on Governor Andrew Cuomo's marijuana proposal. The bill outlines what marijuana would look like if legalized in New York.
7 Eyewitness News crafted the top five things you need to know about the possibilities of pot in the state.
1. Where would you be able to buy marijuana?
Only at a state licensed dispensary
2. Where wouldn't you be able to buy marijuana?
Dispensary locations will be dictated by municipalities, they cannot be within a particular distance from schools or places of worship. It would also be prohibited to sell marijuana anywhere that also sells alcohol such as a liquor store or bar.
3. Who would be able to grow it?
For recreational marijuana, only licensed establishments; everyday New Yorkers would not be allowed. As for medical marijuana, anyone with a prescription in the state that is 21 years of age is allowed to grow up to four plants in a secure, closed space.
4. Would communities be able ban the sales of recreational marijuana?
Technically, yes, municipalities consisting of a population larger than 100,000 people have the option to opt-out of sales. But this wouldn't prevent anyone from using marijuana within that particular municipality.
5. Could you get fired from your job for using recreational marijuana?
You will want to check with your company's policy. If your company deems marijuana-use impairs your ability to work, management would be able to take action against you as an employee. This is true in states that have already legalized adult-use cannabis as well.
The bill still has to be passed by both the senate and state assembly before being signed by the governor into law. That is expected to happen before the end of the year.
