New York State Decriminalizes Marijuana The state's Democratic Governor, Andrew Cuomo, <br />has signed a bill that will also get rid <br />of certain past offenses. When the law goes into effect in <br />30 days, possessing less than <br />an ounce of marijuana will <br />bring about a $50 charge. If you're caught with one to two ounces, the penalty is $200. The bill also downgrades unlawful possession of pot from a criminal charge to a simple violation. Thanks to the bill, the state's Division of <br />Criminal Justice Services says nearly 25,000 <br />will see their criminal records wiped clean. Andrew Cuomo, via statement Marijuana advocates say the bill falls short of making the drug legal, but acknowledge that it is a step forward.
