Back in January 2019, New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a fast-track way of legalizing marijuana in New York, by proposing an adult-use recreational marijuana law as part of the annual budget approval process. However, in a stunning turn-around, on March 20, 2019 Cuomo admits his strategy was perhaps a bit aggressive and he dropped his proposal to legalize recreational marijuana through the budget process.

With the April 1, 2019 deadline for the state’s fiscal year budget approaching, Cuomo recognized he would not be able to arrive at a quick resolution on a marijuana law by members of both the New York Assembly and Senate.   However, Cuomo was hopeful that a law could pass before the 2018-2019 legislative session ends in June, outside of the budget process.  (Unfortunately, New York’s legislature is part-time, convening only January 1 – June 30 of each year).

“I think it was clear early on that the legislative leaders signaled that it was going to be [done] outside budget,” Cuomo told reporters Tuesday. “I think the speaker was quite clear of that, that it would be best to do it outside the budget, that it was complicated and it will take time. But after the budget, I’m hopeful in the legislative session that it passes.”

To think you can pass a complicated and comprehensive law in less time than it takes to grow a mature plant, “you got to be smokin’ somethin’, no?”

It is best to discuss your proposed business with a NY Cannabis Business Lawyer.  Please feel free to contact us if we can be of any assistance or answer any questions.

**This post is for informational purposes only, For legal advice, contact a Cannabis Business Lawyer**

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