New York state passes bill legalizing recreational cannabis.

New York state legislators have passed a bill legalising recreational cannabis.

The law will allow adults 21 years and above to buy cannabis and grow plants for personal consumption at home, with a plan to divert some funds to drug treatment and education.

New York has joined 14 other US states and the District of Columbia in permitting cannabis use after the bill was backed by both state chambers, where Cuomo’s Democratic Party holds strong majorities.

Cuomo’s office has said the change could net an additional $350m in annual tax revenues and create tens of thousands of jobs

New York would also automatically clear records of people with past cannabis-related convictions.

The law would also eliminate penalties for possession of up to three ounces[85 grammes] of the drug, the new personal possession limit.

An existing medical-cannabis programme will also be expanded

The states plans to tax cannabis sales at 9percent, with revenues from an additional 4-percent tax divided between local and county government.