BUFFALO, N.Y. — According to New York State Law, possession of at least 25 grams or less of marijuana in public view is a punishable offense. 

An offender could face up to 15 days in jail and a fine of up to $250. 

“Once you’re arrested it’s sort of a downward spiral,” said India Walton of Open Buffalo. “Our goal is to really keep people from having contact with the criminal justice system in the first place.” 

Assemblywoman Crystal People-Stokes sponsored the Sealing Marijuana Convictions Bill, which proposes that charges be expunged right after someone pays their debt to society, rather than it being removed three years after a conviction. 

“There are people who were convicted of low level marijuana charges who should not have their lives destroyed because of it," said People-Stokes. 

This is the third time the bill has passed the Assembly. 

"It really is about young people and the opportunities that people are blocked out of if they are any sort of arrest record," added Walton. 

It’s an issue the community organizer has been working to address. 

In January, Open Buffalo petitioned Mayor Byron Brown to make marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority.

The petition now has over 1,100 signatures. 

The petition also cites the Partnership for Public Good’s study on racial disparities in marijuana arrests.

“Even though African Americans make up 14 percent of the population in Buffalo, we account for roughly 67 percent of arrests,” said Walton. 

People-Stokes told Spectrum News she believes New York will see full legalization of marijuana, just not in this legislative session. 

She says Gov. Cuomo is on board with the possibility of legalizing the drug. 

Cuomo commissioned the State Department of Health to complete a study on the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana.