Business as usual in New York, cannabis continues to be decriminalized

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Business as usual in New York, cannabis continues to be decriminalized

New York - The New York State Senate and Assembly passed legislation (S.6579A/A.8420A), to continue decriminalizing cannabis in our state. The bill lowers the fines associated with possessing small amounts of cannabis, under 2 ounces, to be up to $200. This bill also introduces a retroactive expungement mechanism into our criminal justice system, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands.

This “decriminalization” bill that is currently waiting for the Governor to sign into law, does nothing to end arrests for cannabis possession. Instead, the bill reduces penalties for public use and burning to a violation that can still ultimately lead to arrest. Cannabis was decriminalized by New York in 1977, and yet millions of people have been arrested since then and we became the cannabis arrest capital of the country.

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Watch Empire State NORML-NY Cannabis Alliance-Brooklyn Live

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Watch Empire State NORML-NY Cannabis Alliance-Brooklyn LIVE!

(Brooklyn, NY): Empire State NORML-NY Cannabis Alliance-Brooklyn LIVE! Discussing the recent passing of the Compassionate Care Act, Medical Marijuana and the state of marijuana policy in New York in large including decriminalization, repealing prohibition and MORE!!

Doug Greene (Empire State NORML); Adam Scavone (New York Cannabis Alliance); Sam Oakford (VICE News); Brooklyn Independent Media (BK Live)

Empire State NORML is a grassroots non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to moving public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable. Empire State NORML's is the NY State affiliate of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

The New York Cannabis Alliance is a diverse coalition of advocates including consumers, patients, veterans, politicians, legal and medical professionals, and all those who believe that current cannabis laws are unjust and unsustainable. New York Cannabis Alliance works to educate lawmakers and the citizens of New York to enact laws that protect the interests of those involved in the production, distribution and use of cannabis.

VICE News is an international news channel created by and for a connected generation. Our documentaries and original news series bring you an unvarnished look at some of the most important events of our time, and shine a light on underreported stories around the globe. Unorthodox and at times irreverent, we get to the heart of the matter and call it like we see it.