ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act is being debated in the State Assembly and Senate Tuesday. Once the legislation passes and is signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, marijuana will be a legal product in New York State. Anyone 21 and up will be allowed to possess small amounts of it. 

Up to 3 ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis is permitted for personal use under the legislation. 

Later on, marijuana sales will be regulated and taxed. 

“We don’t want the marijuana that’s sold to be ridiculously potent or laced with other substances, and in order to accomplish that, we need to make it legal and regulate it,” said Assemblyman Phil Steck.

Democrat Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo says it will be an agricultural opportunity for farmers. 

“It adds a significant diversity, to what they could potentially grow. Everyone thinks that New York’s agricultural environments is positive for this type of crop. The fact that we’re going to be allowing this cannabis of all forms to be grown outdoors is also a big plus,” Lupardo said.

But the legislation has faced opposition from Republicans like Senator Patrick Gallivan. 

“I remain extremely concerned, as do many of my constituents who have reached out over time and in the last couple days, about public health and public safety aspects of this and workplace safety concerns,” Gallivan said.

We are expecting the Governor to sign off on the legislation once it passes.