Marijuana Legalization

New York state has legalized recreational marijuana for adults and will expunge thousands of former low-level marijuana convictions. The legislation, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed on Wednesday, could create up to 60,000 jobs and $350 million in tax revenue for the state.

"This is a historic day in New York -- one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State's economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits," Cuomo said in a statement.

In order to allow wider use of marijuana for medical purposes, Thailand's Narcotics Control Board has voted to remove cannabis plants from the list of Category 5 narcotics.

However, growing marijuana is only allowed if a permit is granted by the FDA to ensure alignment with government agencies.

Arizona, New Jersey, South Dakota and Montana all passed legislation Tuesday permitting the possession of marijuana by adults, which means 15 states have legalized recreational weed or voted to legalize it.

Colorado Governor Jared Poli has announced that he is planning on issuing a mass-pardon for 2,732 low-level marijuana possession convictions. Earlier this year a bill had been signed to give him the authority to issue such pardon through an executive order.

The pardon will apply to convictions in state courts through 2012 of up to 1 ounce for recreational use.

The city of Los Angeles writes in their guidelines that "cannabis dispensaries, or any related and/or ancillary healthcare services" are still allowed to open during the coronavirus lockdown and forced closure of businesses.