FILE - In this March 24, 2021 file photo, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference at his offices in New York. New Yorkers can now possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis under a legalization bill signed by Cuomo. Criminal justice reform advocates hope the legislation signed Wednesday, March 31, will help redress the inequities of a system that has locked up people of color for marijuana offenses at disproportionate rates. (Brendan McDermid/Pool Photo via AP, File)

By MARINA VILLENEUVE and JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press

New York adults over the age of 21 can now possess and use marijuana — even in public — under a legalization bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, though legal sales of recreational-use cannabis won't start for an estimated 18 months until regulations are set.

Passed after several years of stalled efforts, the measure makes New York the 16th state to legalize adult use of the drug, though South Dakota's measure is in legal limbo.

New York becomes the second-most populous state, after California, to legalize recreational marijuana. Legalization backers hope the Empire State will add momentum and set an example with its efforts to redress the inequities of a system that has locked up people of color for marijuana offenses at disproportionate rates.

"By placing community reinvestment, social equity, and justice front and center, this law is the new gold standard for reform efforts nationwide," said Melissa Moore, New York state director of the Drug Policy Alliance.

The legislation provides protections for cannabis users in the workplace, housing, family court, schools, colleges and universities, and sets a target of providing half of marijuana licenses to individuals from underrepresented communities. And police could no longer use the odor of cannabis as a reason for searching someone's car for contraband.