Moving Closer To Legalization New York Proposes New Cannabis Regulator

ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo pledged to legalize the recreational cannabis use in New York, proposing a new office to regulate the market and licensing opportunities for communities most affected by the disparate enforcement of drug laws.

“I think this should have been passed years ago,” Mr. Cuomo said during a video briefing. “This is a year where we do need the funding and a lot of New Yorkers are struggling. This year will give us the momentum to get it over the goal line.”

This is Mr. Cuomo’s third attempt at legalizing cannabis. His previous efforts have floundered mostly as a result of disagreements over how to distribute the urgently needed tax dollars from cannabis sales but recently due to COVID.

“This year will give us the momentum to get it over the goal line,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said about the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Tax revenues have vanished. New York is projecting a budget shortfall of over $60 billion by 2025. This fiscal cliff has given new impetus to revenue generating ideas such as permitting online betting, introducing a billionaire’s tax and other ideas.

This year will also see Democrats enjoy a big majority in New York after the party expanded its majority in the State Senate in November, giving legislators the option of aggressively pursuing progressive measures without fear of a veto from Mr. Cuomo, a centrist Democrat.