Senator Rivera on the Senate's Vote Legalizing the Adult Use of Marijuana

“Today, we are putting an end to the devastating impacts of marijuana prohibition and ensuring an equitable and diverse industry in our state for adult-use marijuana by passing the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). This bill responsibly regulates the adult-use marijuana market, improves New York’s medical marijuana program, and directs new revenues and resources to Black and Brown communities, who have been historically harmed by its criminalization. I proudly voted for this legislation because racial and economic justice are at its core. 

This victory would not have been possible without the steadfast leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the bill’s longtime sponsor, my friend, Senator Liz Krueger. But, above all, it would have never happened without the tireless work of advocates who have championed comprehensive, equitable solutions to a policy failure that has harmed too many New Yorkers.”