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The US state of New York has legalized cannabis as a stimulant.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law on the release of the drug as a stimulant that was passed by parliament on Wednesday.
New York is following the example of 14 other states and the capital district of Washington.
New York law allows adults 21 and older to own up to 85 grams of cannabis and grow cannabis plants for their own consumption.
The use of the drug for medical purposes is to be expanded.
The New York regional parliament approved the legalization bill on Tuesday.
Governor Cuomo, whose Democrats have a clear majority in both chambers of parliament, spoke of a "milestone".
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For too long, the cannabis ban had "disproportionately affected" the non-white population, who were often sentenced to heavy prison sentences for violating the cannabis ban, he said on Tuesday evening.
The reform aims to remove previous convictions related to the use and possession of cannabis from the registers.
The proceeds from the trade are to be used for drug addiction treatment and educational programs.
According to Cuomo's office, the reform could bring in $ 350 million annually in additional taxes.
In addition, his government hopes to create tens of thousands of new jobs.