As per a New York Police Department memo released on Wednesday, officers can no longer search vehicles due to the smell of unburnt or burnt Marijuana alone. 

Following the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York by Governor Andrew Cuomo, NYPD officers are allowed to search vehicles if the person in question appears to be under the influence of marijuana while driving, if there is probable cause to believe the driver had been vaping or smoking marijuana while in the vehicle. 

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Under the new policy, trunks of the car may not be searched, reported CNN. However, smoking and driving under the influence of marijuana are still illegal. Unauthorised selling is prohibited as per the new memorandum. 

The memorandum says, “However, the trunk may not be searched unless the officer develops separate probable cause to believe the trunk contains evidence of a crime.” 

Additionally, the legalisation now allows people 21 years of age and older to possess 24 grams of cannabis concentrate and up to 3 ounces of cannabis bought from an authorised seller only. 

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“Hand to hand exchange” of marijuana 3 ounces or lesser quantity is permitted, and officers cannot charge an individual unless they see money being offered. However, the persons must be 21 years or older. 

Officers are no longer allowed to detain persons in possession of marijuana who are on parole unless specifically prohibited. The memo says officers “may not approach, stop or detain a parolee based on their use or possession of lawful amounts of marijuana.”