Marijuana Decriminalization passes in Albany

In a last ditch effort to reform the state's drug policy, New York passed legislation decriminalizing marijuana use. The bill will also expunge the records of people with low-level marijuana offenses. Supporters of the legislation say this will be a big step to aid communities of color that are disproportionately affected by marijuana charges. A study at John Jay College found that black and Hispanic people are more likely to be charged with misdemeanor marijuana offenses than white people. Under the new law, people found to be in possession of less than an ounce of weed can be fined fifty dollars. People found to have more than an ounce up to two ounces can be fined two hundred dollars.