Cuomo again casts doubt on legal weed in NY for 2019

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has cast new doubts on New York's ability to approve recreational marijuana use for adults in 2019.


By Don Cazentre 

It’s been one of the hottest topics in Albany this year: Making marijuana legal for adult “recreational” users.

It’s been on a rollercoaster since Gov. Andrew Cuomo endorsed the idea at the end of 2018. He made it part of his “justice agenda” for the first 100 days of 2019 and included it his 2019-2020 budget proposal.

But what seemed like a tsunami of support just a few months ago stalled (it failed to make the budget), had a brief resurgence, and now seems stalled again.

Today, Cuomo once again indicated he does not think the plan will pass this year. He told reporters in Albany he doesn’t think there is enough support in the state Senate because of disagreements over the proposed rules and regulations, according to the Associated Press and other reports.

“I don’t think it is feasible at this point," Cuomo said. “... I think when the Senate says they don’t have the votes, I take them at their word.”

He also said the failure of neighboring New Jersey to approve legal marijuana earlier this year “sapped some momentum” in New York, the AP reported.

New York lawmakers have until June 19, the end of the current session, to work out a plan. If they pass a bill, one that Cuomo is willing to sign, New York could become the 12th state with legal adult use marijuana. New York already has a medical marijuana program, but use is restricted to those with a medical diagnosis.

Hopes for legal marijuana in New York grew after last year’s election when Democrats took control of the state Senate, giving the party both houses of the legislature and the governor’s office.

But there has not been consensus on several issues, notably calls to expunge the records of those convicted of low-level marijuana offenses. There has also been debate over proposals to ensure that minority neighborhoods adversely affected by those convictions receive the benefits of legalization, such as priority in obtaining production or retail licenses.

There are other opponents and skeptics of legal marijuana for adults, including the New York State Sheriff’s Association, many medical practitioners and education officials around the state.

Last week, state lawmakers introduced some revision to bills in both houses to address some concerns. Among other changes, the proposed bills increase the state tax on marijuana, lower the amount an individual could possess, allow recreational users to grow a small amount of their own, expunge low-level marijuana convictions; and give priority for production and retail licenses to those affected by convictions for marijuana-related crimes.

Cuomo’s statements today indicate he does not believe that will be enough to gain approval.