Lawmakers in New York have voted to eliminate criminal penalties for public possession and use of marijuana after efforts to legalize the plant stalled.
The measure would reduce low-level criminal charges for unlawful possession of marijuana to a violation, which comes with a fine similar to a parking ticket. The penalty would be $50 for possessing less than 1 ounce, or 28.35 grams, of marijuana, or $200 for 1 to 2 ounces, or 28.35 to 56.7 ounces.