New York Law Softening Pot Penalties Goes Into Effect

Some folks thought it was just a matter of time, well it looks like that day is today.

Just in, from WGRZ,

 A New York state law softens penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and creates a process for erasing certain past offenses.The maximum penalty is now $50 for possessing less than an ounce of pot. The law took effect today (Wednesday).

What else does this mean?  That it turns unlawful marijuana possession statute into a violation somewhat like a traffic ticket, so not a criminal charge.

Records tied to low-level marijuana cases will be automatically sealed under the law.

Advocates for marijuana legalization have argued the law is a positive step but falls short of addressing negative consequences that come with keeping the drug illegal.