New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's signature is on legislation that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Andrew Cuomo
Spencer Platt, Getty Images
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The legislation signed into law July 29 by the Democrat makes unlawful possession of marijuana a violation similar to a traffic ticket, carrying a $50 fine for possessing less than an ounce of weed up top $200 for 1-2 onces.

In addition, some people with past minor marijuana convictions could see their records cleared of criminal charges.

The Associated Press reports Cuomo called the law "a critical step forward in addressing a broken and discriminatory criminal justice process."

The move to allow legal recreational use of pot in New York is still up-in-the-air with state lawmakers unable to reach agreement on details like regulation and taxation before the end of the legislative session.

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