New York assembly speaker casts doubt on quick marijuana legalization

New York’s Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo may not be able to hammer out a deal on legalizing adult-use marijuana in the next two months, according to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

In remarks Thursday following a criminal justice event in Manhattan, the speaker discounted the possibility of legislative leaders agreeing to a framework for legalization in the budget that is due on March 31. The comment generated disappointment from some advocates, who are hoping the issue can be tackled during the budget process.

He clarified in a subsequent tweet that he hadn’t ruled out the possibility of accomplishing legalization in the budget, but that he was “not optimistic.” “I want to get it right, rather than beat a ‘time clock,’” he tweeted.

“At this moment the governor’s proposal and the Legislature’s have differences,” Heastie tweeted. “We have to reconcile them while at the same time trying to agree on a $177 (billion) budget with all the challenges that presents as well.” [Read more at Albany Times Union]