Attorney General James Statement on Vote to Legalize Marijuana in New York

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement in response to the passage of marijuana legalization in New York:

“The legalization of marijuana is a racial and criminal justice imperative, and today’s vote is a critical step towards a fairer and more just system. For too long, people of color have been disproportionately impacted by an outdated and shortsighted marijuana prohibition, and it’s past time we right this wrong. We must also engineer an economy that will provide a much-needed boost to communities devastated by the war on drugs and COVID-19, and I am hopeful this will help to achieve that for New Yorkers.”

As New York City Public Advocate, Attorney General James was among the first elected officials in the state to call for the legalization of recreational marijuana, citing the need for a fairer justice system and a significant boost to the economy. Attorney General James has also advocated for expunging the records of those who have been arrested, detained, or convicted of marijuana-related possession.