High Times recently announced that prosecution related to possession and use of marijuana is officially over for New York City. Cyrus Vance, a Manhattan district attorney, made the official announcement today. Exceptions to this do exist. Cannabis packaged individually, or a person seen selling cannabis can cause the person in possession to be charged. Creating a threat to public safety can also result in a person being charged.
As a result of this decision the district attorneys office is seeking to prior minor marijuana offenses this fall. According to Vance, “Tomorrow, our office will exit a system wherein smoking a joint can ruin your job, your college application, or your immigration status, but our advocacy will continue. I urge New York lawmakers to legalize and regulate marijuana once and for all.”
Each year 17,000 people are arrested for marijuana-related offenses in New York City. This decision from the district attorney provides a tremendous amount of relief for both the citizens and police departments.
