After lawmaker complaints, Cuomo promises to amend plan to legalize recreational marijuana in New York

(The Center Square) – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters Monday he will be amending his proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. However, he noted the clock is running out on getting the landmark legislation passed.

Cuomo has made generating revenue from new sources a priority in the push to get a budget passed before the 2022 fiscal year starts in April. Marijuana, the Cuomo administration estimates, could bring in more than $300 million in tax money annually.

However, critics have raised concerns about parts of his plan to decriminalize pot for adults.

The governor did not provide details on what the new proposal will include, but he said the amended plan takes into account talks he’s had with legislators.

While Cuomo has said some people who have been put in jail for marijuana should not have, some lawmakers and proponents have expressed concerns regarding parts of the governor’s plan that change criminal penalties.

According to WGRZ-TV, Jawanza James Williams, director of organizing for Voices Of Community Activists & Leaders, said the statewide grassroots group is concerned that the governor’s plan would make it a Class D felony to sell a small amount to a 20-year-old college student.

Earlier this month, state Sen. Jeremy Cooney, D-Rochester, tweeted: “We must legalize marijuana, but also make ensure our laws right the historical wrongs of the ‘War on Drugs,’ which we have seen in Rochester.”

There’s no agreement in place yet, Cuomo said, but he noted both sides are making progress. However, he added there are just 45 days left until the new fiscal year and the state’s budget deadline.

“It’s a controversial and a difficult vote, I get it,” Cuomo said. “I believe if we don’t have it done by the budget, we’re not going to get it done, and I think it would be a failing if we don’t get it done this year.”

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