Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday announced his full support of statewide legalization of recreational marijuana, making it an administration priority for early 2019. The governor also vocalized the need to mitigate racial disparities in the criminal justice system. “We have had two criminal justice systems: one for the wealthy and the well-off and one for everyone else. [New York health officials recommend marijuana legalization in report to governor]Cuomo’s announcement follows a recent push by New York City law enforcement agencies to decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses, which historically have mostly affected minorities. The New York City Police Department, backed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, opted to stop making arrests for smoking in public.

Source: Washington Post December 17, 2018 23:53 UTC