Gov. Cuomo renews effort to legalize recreational marijuana statewide

Cuomo made his intentions clear at his State of the State address Wednesday. But it will be easier said than done.

News 12 Staff

Jan 9, 2020, 10:39 PM

Updated 1,660 days ago

Share:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is vowing to make recreational marijuana legal in New York in 2020.
Cuomo made his intentions clear at his State of the State address Wednesday. But it will be easier said than done.
Some Long Island residents News 12 spoke to are opposed to the idea.
"I don't think it should be legalized," says William Sordjan, of Medford. "I don't really want to walk down the street and see people smoking marijuana."
Cuomo says that a legalized marijuana program could bring in $300 million per year in tax revenue when it's fully implemented.
Supporters say marijuana is already being sold legally in 11 states, including Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts.
"It's being sold illegally throughout the country in mass quantities, and if we legalize it perhaps we can have more control over it," says John Pappas, of Floral Park.
Both Nassau and Suffolk announced they would be opting out of the plan last year before state lawmakers failed to pass the pot plan following disagreements over what to do with revenue.
Some detractors, like Jeff Reynolds from the Family and Children's Association, say there are plenty of issues, like limiting access to minors and impaired driving.
"We haven't created any safeguards for people who are mentally ill, who might use marijuana in a way that's harmful to them," says Reynolds. "We haven't talked about pregnant women, we haven't talked about how the products could be or couldn't be advertised ... And then finally I think the burning question for most Long Islanders is where are these stores going to be?"
Nancy Udell, director of the New York State Chapter for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, responded positively to Cuomo's efforts, saying, "We are happy to see that social equity and small business programs will be part of the proposed plan. It is important that any bill legalizing and regulating cannabis includes opportunities for New Yorkers who have been directly impacted by the War on Drugs and must provide funds to these communities."
 


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park