New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams released the following statement today after the City Council approved two resolutions, of which he was the prime sponsor, focused on Marijuana Justice Reform. They include Res. 0641, which would expunge the records of all city misdemeanor marijuana convictions, and Res. 0296, which adds the unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal procession of marijuana in NYCHA facilities to the 4th and 5th degrees to its list of overlooked offenses.
"New York lags far behind states across the country in enacting a marijuana justice platform, but the passage of today's resolutions in the City Council sent a clear message that the time for Albany to act is now. For far too long our city has witnessed how disciplinary actions and criminal penalties for marijuana possession disproportionately affect low income communities and communities of more color. My resolutions passed today demand that we right those wrongs by expunging records of those whose lives have been ruined by a conviction and protecting against NYCHA residents losing their homes because of marijuana usage. It is time to stop treating marijuana with inordinate hysteria and apply common sense to our laws.
"I would also like to thank all of those who are now vocally advocating for this cause I've long championed, and I urge Albany to act."
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