Marijuana Prosecutions Plummet in Manhattan

The number of people prosecuted for marijuana possession and smoking cases has dropped by 94 percent in Manhattan.

A new policy took effect on August 1st with the Manhattan District Attorney no longer prosecuting most low-level marijuana crimes.  Between that time and the end of October, there were just 28 arraignments.  That compares with 465 cases during the same time period a year earlier.

“The Manhattan D.A.’s Office has exited the marijuana business,” District Attorney Cy Vance said.  “Now it’s time for New York State to legalize, regulate, and expunge.”

In September, Vance had more than 3,000 bench warrants dismissed for marijuana smoking and possession.  He said New York State should do the same for all 62 counties.


Photo Credit:  Getty Images


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