New 30 Feet Rule Could Ban Marijuana In New York
Two Democratic State Representatives want to make a huge change to marijuana laws. If they get their way, consuming marijuana will essentially be illegal again in New York State.
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On Saturday, March 27, 2021, New York lawmakers voted to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. Then-governor Andrew Cuomo's administration estimated that legalizing cannabis would bring about $350 million into the state annually. New York’s Office of Cannabis Management published a report that states New York made $80.2 million in tax, fee, and fine revenue in the State Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The state seized 16,900 pounds of unlicensed products worth $68.5 million. Of the tax revenue from cannabis, 9 percent goes to the state and 4 percent stays within the local community.
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Two NY State Legislators Want A Strict Marijuana Ban Around Kids
New York Assembly Bill 1007 would essentially make marijuana use in the state illegal due to its strict rules limiting consumption around children. The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025, by Democratic State Representatives, Phil Steck and Marianna Buttenschon. If passed and signed into law, the bill would ban smoking or vaping marijuana within 30 feet of children. The bill doesn't stop there. It would also prohibit the consumption of cannabis within 30 feet of ANY location where children live or spaces kids use for recreational or educational purposes, including areas separated by walls, closed doors, and even different floors in a building.
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The bill does not define the ages of children, but if it considers anyone under 18 to be a child, that's a pretty big number. According to the New York Department of Health, there are more than 4 million children living in New York state. In urban settings, the bill would essentially ban marijuana in many places.
The bill has been assigned to the Housing and Urban Affairs Committee for review.
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Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler
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