NY Cannabis Legalization Could Be Near As Lawmakers Roll Up Deal

New York City NY

24 March, 2021

1:37 PM

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NEW YORK CITY — Embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo hopes the state's chances of legalizing cannabis don't go up in smoke — and it appears lawmakers are ready to roll up a deal. Cuomo on Wednesday listed legal weed as his first priority for the state's upcoming budget, which has an April 1 deadline. "Getting it done by the time the budget is passed is essential," he said. To keep up to date on the latest NYC news, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter. Within minutes of Cuomo's statement, State Sen. Liz Krueger that legislative leaders reached a deal to legalize recreational marijuana, Bloomberg Government reporter Keisha Clukey first reported. SCOOP: New York is ready to legalize recreational marijuana. The state would impose special pot taxes and prepare to license dispensaries under an agreement reached by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders, @LizKrueger confirmed. @bgov @business https://t.co/dhTOZKKWxe— Keshia Clukey (@KeshiaClukey) March 24, 2021 Other outlets, such as the Wall Street Journal, reported afterward that New York is poised to become the 15th state to legalize cannabis. Lawmakers likely will vote next week on a measure that takes effect by next year, according to the Journal. It's a long-sought goal by advocates, many lawmakers and Cuomo himself. He admitted Wednesday that three years of attempts to legalize hemp and recreational marijuana failed to spark up. The inaction left the state's would-be cannabis industry high and dry as legal markets got set up in Massachusetts and across the river from New York City in New Jersey. Legal pot in neighboring states effectively ends the debate, Cuomo said. "We have passed the point of legalized cannabis," he said. Cuomo's even-more-outspoken support for legalized cannabis came amid a news conference packed with announcements. And for the first time in days, Cuomo also took questions from reporters. WABC's Dave Evans asked about increasing doubts about whether he can perform his job amid a sexual harassment scandal and potential impeachment inquiry. "I say it's clearly not true," Cuomo said. "Because the reality is the exact opposite." Not all politicians are so sure. Mayor Bill de Blasio just that morning again said Cuomo can no longer govern. "I think he should resign so we can move forward in this state," de Blasio said. Cuomo's vocal stance on legalizing cannabis — a popular issue in the state — belies that state lawmakers have been working on such a measure independently from the budget. Krueger told the Wall Street Journal that a soon-to-be-finalized bill would create a new state regulator for cannabis products, decriminalize possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana and allow New Yorkers to cultivate marijuana for their personal use.