NY Senator Submits Bill to Involve Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals in Benefit of Cannabis Justice

By Jelena Martinovic

Another novelty was added to the New York cannabis program just weeks after the introduction of a measure that would allow transgender and non-binary people to qualify as social justice applicants under the state’s cannabis law.

This time, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D) passed a law that would give gays, lesbians and bisexuals equal rights, Marijuana Moment reported.

Photo by DBenitostock / Getty Images

Cooney, who also supports other recent marijuana reform proposals related to tax benefits and cannabis business licenses, tabled the new bill last week.

“When New York State legalized recreational marijuana for adults, we made a commitment to address the discrimination and injustice caused by the war on drugs,” Cooney told Marijuana Moment.

“I am proud to introduce a law that will include members of our lesbian, gay and bisexual community for priority entry into the new adult recreational cannabis market,” said the Senator of his efforts to make equality legislation even more inclusive.

Current New York cannabis law gives priority to licensing businesses owned by women and other marginalized groups affected by the war on drugs.

The Empire State legalized the plant in March, allowing adults 21 and older to own up to 3 ounces of cannabis or 24 grams of marijuana concentrates and purchase recreational cannabis from licensed retailers and up to three mature and three immature plants for personal use to grow.

RELATED: NY Senator Proposal: Offer Transgender and Non-Binary People Cannabis Justice Perks

Cooney stressed that the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act aims to “elevate historically marginalized groups through economic opportunities in the cannabis industry”.

“We are committed to ensuring we meet our stock licensing goals so that New York can create the most comprehensive cannabis economy in the country,” added Cooney.

The state announced several policy changes and updates in the nine months following legalization.

RELATED: New York Bans Advertising Cannabis and Psychedelic Mushrooms on Public Transport

After the state’s Cannabis Control Board, set up by Governor Kathy Hochul, became the first state in the Union to ban employers from testing most employees for cannabis in October, it ruled marijuana gifting illegal and banned Delta-8-THC products, while the sale of hemp flowers was allowed.

Earlier this month. New York City was the first in the country to open two Overdose Prevention Centers (OPC), where people can use illicit drugs and receive medical care and services.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.