Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that decriminalizes marijuana use in New York.
The new legislation reduces the penalty for unlawful marijuana possession to a violation punishable by a fine. The fine is $50 for possessing less than an ounce of marijuana or a maximum of $200 for 1 to 2 ounces.
The law will also create a process for individuals with certain marijuana convictions to have their records expunged.
Governor Cuomo says the legislation addresses racial and ethnic disparities, as New York's existing marijuana laws disproportionately affect African American and Latino communities.
The law goes into effect in 30 days.
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