Many in New York have been anticipating marijuana legislation but Governor Andrew Cuomo popped the balloon on those anticipations this week.
Cuomo said that the state is not likely to authorize marijuana for adult use as part of its budget process.
Cuomo himself had proposed legalizing recreational marijuana as part of his initial $178 billion state budget proposal back in January.
As the coronavirus crisis has impacted New York profoundly, Cuomo said legalization likely won’t make the final spending plan. The state has been hit harder than any other state by the coronavirus outbreak.
Acording to Cuomo’s office, the crisis could cause the state to lose at least $10 billion in revenue.
When asked Tuesday whether marijuana legalization will be in the final budget, Cuomo said “Not likely” and “Too much, too little time.”
He did however say that he and legislative leaders have continued to negotiate potential changes to the state’s bail-reform laws, which blocked judges from requiring defendants to post cash bail for many crimes.
New York’s fiscal year begins today.
