New York Governor has introduced a new ambitious bill to decriminalize drug possession in the state. This is a significant shift for the policy of a state that’s plagued with illicit cannabis shops.
New York Senate Bill S3600 was introduced by Senator Rivera and aims at decriminalizing the possession of controlled drugs. It also establishes a task force for reforming state laws on drug use.
The law, which is currently in force during the legislative session of 2025-2026, aims to abolish both criminal and civilian penalties for the possession of personal drugs. By doing so, it will shift the drug policy within the state from being a punitive model to a health-focused one.
If this bill is passed, all prior drug possession convictions will be removed, which would allow those who have been impacted by the drug laws to access employment, housing, or other services.
It also suggests the formation of a Drug Decriminalization Task Force. The Task Force will be responsible for examining best practices in order to recommend future legal and political reforms that address disparities based on race when it comes to drug enforcement. They’ll also improve harm-reduction strategies, while improving access to services such as treatment and recovery.
This bill aims to emphasize evidence-based non-carceral intervention and highlight the disparate impact drug laws have on Black and Latinx Communities.
According to the proposed legislation, illegal possession of controlled drugs would not be a misdemeanor but rather result in either a fine up to $50 or a screening based on needs that connects individuals with social and health services.
Task force consisting of experts in public health, lawyers, and representatives from the community would have to make reform recommendations with a deadline of one year.
New York is not the only state that has taken such measures. Oregon, in 2020, became the first US state to decriminalize all drug possession by individuals through Measure 110. This landmark measure was approved by voters.
In 2021 the law took effect and reclassified small quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine as a civil offense punishable with a fine of up to $100, or by health screening.
Oregon’s decriminalization efforts faced challenges in implementation, namely slow funding distribution and the rising crisis of fentanyl.
Bipartisan criticism of the policy’s perceived failure to curb public drug usage led to its repeal and replacement with a model based on misdemeanors, which includes voluntary diversion programmes.
New York Governor has introduced a new ambitious bill to decriminalize drug possession in the state. This is a significant shift for the policy of a state that’s plagued with illicit cannabis shops.
New York Senate Bill S3600 introduced by Senator Rivera aims to criminalize possession of controlled substance and create a taskforce to reform the state laws regarding substance abuse.
This bill is currently being considered in 2025-2026. It seeks to remove both civil and criminal penalties for possession of drugs. The state will then shift its drug policy away from one that is punitive to one that is focused on public health.
If this bill is passed, all prior drug possession convictions will be wiped out, eliminating barriers to housing, employment and social services.
It also suggests the formation of a Drug Decriminalization Task Force. The Task Force will be responsible for examining best practices in order to recommend future legal and political reforms that address disparities based on race when it comes to drug enforcement. They’ll also improve harm-reduction strategies and increase access to services such as treatment and recovery.
The bill’s goal is to prioritise evidence-based and non-carceral approaches and highlight the disparate impact that drug laws are having on Black and Latinx community members.
According to the proposed legislation, illegal possession of controlled drugs would not be a misdemeanor but rather result in either a fine up to $50 or a screening based on needs that connects individuals with social and health services.
Task force consisting of experts in public health, lawyers, and representatives from the community would have to make reform recommendations with a deadline of one year.
New York wouldn’t be the first to take such measures. Oregon, in 2020, became the first US state to decriminalize all drug possession by individuals through Measure 110. This landmark measure was approved by voters.
In 2021 the law took effect and reclassified small quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine as a civil offense punishable with a fine of up to $100, or by health screening.
Oregon faced implementation issues, such as slow funding for treatment programs, and an increasing fentanyl epidemic.
Bipartisan criticism of the policy’s perceived failure to curb public drug usage led to its repeal and replacement with a model based on misdemeanors, which includes voluntary diversion programmes.
Cannabis Law Resources for Poland
Browse essential legal pages on cannabis sales and cultivation in Poland. You can use these resources to learn about the requirements for certification, permissions and compliance.
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Polish News Registration and Interests of Cannabis Businesses
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Permissions for Cannabis Sales in Poland
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Authorization for Importing or Manufacturing Medical Products
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Permission for Manufacturing or Importing Medical Products
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Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
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Registration of Medical Products in Poland