Thread by @ImmDefense

1/THREAD: Recreational Marijuana legalization just passed the NYS Legislature! What does this mean for immigrant NYers? #PassTheMRTA #MarijuanaJustice

https://twitter.com/ImmDefense/status/1377250087638855681

2/Marijuana-related activity has been a major factor dragging immigrants into the arrest-to-deportation pipeline. After years of organizing by immigrant advocates, criminal legal system advocates, & others, New York passed the MRTA! bit.ly/3fu23ux #MarijuanaJustice

3/MRTA includes big changes to NY law, including:
-legal possession of small amounts of marijuana for ppl 21+
-Creation of an NY licensing system to allow ppl & businesses to sell marijuana
-Expanded access to medical marijuana for many NY'ers

#PassTheMRTA #MarijuanaJustice

4/These changes only apply in New York State. Keep in mind that marijuana is still a controlled substance under federal law.

If I live in NY, why does it matter that marijuana is still a controlled substance under federal law?

#PassTheMRTA #MarijuanaJustice

5/Bc it isn't legal everywhere. If you are found with marijuana in a state where it isn't legal, it will not matter if the marijuana was purchased legally in NY and you could face criminal charges or penalties in that state. #PassTheMRTA #MarijuanaJustice

6/If I live in NY, why does it matter that marijuana is still a controlled substance under federal law? #PassTheMRTA #MarijuanaJustice

7/ Attention Immigrant New Yorkers! There are immigration-related considerations for prior illegal marijuana-related activity and convictions and future marijuana-related activity that is legal in the State because marijuana is still a controlled substance under federal law.

8/8 Immigrant New Yorkers should speak with a trusted lawyer or advocate about marijuana legalization in New York State!

For IDP's latest resources on Marijuana Legalization in NY, check out immdefense.org/marijuana!

#PassTheMRTA #MarijuanaJustice