For the past several years, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) has been trying to legalize recreational use marijuana for his citizens. This year, he pushed for legalization through the state’s annual budget proposal.

Recently, Governor Cuomo has been working with top Senators to create a more comprehensive marijuana legalization measure. Called S0854, this bill became introduced to the New York Senate back in January. It happened around the same time as Governor Cuomo’s original budget proposal. Lawmakers are urging Governor Cuomo to legalize marijuana outside of the state’s budget to give the bill more flexibility and authority. 

S0854

Under S0854, citizens over 21 would be able to purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana on them at any given time. There would also be home cultivation of six plants, three of which can be mature. This is possible through the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which S0854 creates. 

MRTA would fall under the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. This division would create the marijuana division to control, regulate, and implement legislation. The goal is to build off of the state’s established medical marijuana program approved in 2014. 

Some of the biggest differences between S0854 and Governor Cuomo’s proposal are home cultivation and social equity. Originally, Governor Cuomo’s plan didn’t allow for home cultivation and didn’t have any emphasis on social equity. These are a few of the reasons that there has been a lot of trouble coming to a conclusion between the Senate and the governor. But it seems that more revisions have been made and plans are moving forward for marijuana legalization in New York.

Concerns About Governor Cuomo

More concern has come about as more allegations against Governor Cuomo come about. There’s concern that legalization in New York may be pushed back because of this. Even though 59 percent of citizens want legalization according to a recent poll. They are also calling for Governor Cuomo to not resign. However, if he does decide to resign or is impeached, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul (D) would take over. 

Lt. Governor Hochul is also for marijuana legalization, maybe even a bit more liberal in regards to home cultivation than Governor Cuomo. If something does happen to Governor Cuomo in the coming months, there will still be marijuana legalization.

New York marijuana legalization is coming to the state this year. It’s just a matter of when. As more information becomes available, we will be sure to update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.