NY gov drops adult-use marijuana from budget, but bullish on legalization outlook

Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis won’t be included in the state’s budget due April 1, but he predicted state lawmakers could come to an agreement on a measure by June.

The comments in an interview with WNYC radio’s Brian Lehrer weren’t a surprise given Cuomo indicated last week that a “wide divide” on the issue likely would delay the measure.

Still, the comments come as New Jersey lawmakers are poised to vote on adult-use legalization as soon as Monday – although passage there is far from assured.

New York and New Jersey are in a race of sorts to take early advantage of the tax revenues that would be generated from legal marijuana sales to tourists and residents in the region.

For more on the situation in New York, click here.