Main

Sections

Features

News 12 Originals

Choose Your Region

Be the first to know

Topics you care about, straight to your inbox

Your email address

Main

Sections

Features

News 12 Originals

Default

Be the first to know

Topics you care about, straight to your inbox

Your email address

Cuomo’s budget spurs conversation on legalizing recreational marijuana

<p>Hudson Valley residents say they are torn over the idea of legalizing marijuana in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget proposal Tuesday included funding that could lead to the state legalizing recreational marijuana.</p>

News 12 Staff

•

Jan 17, 2018, 1:23 AM

•

Updated 2,291 days ago

Share:

Hudson Valley residents say they are torn over the idea of legalizing marijuana in New York.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget proposal Tuesday included funding that could lead to the state legalizing recreational marijuana. Recreational use of the drug is now allowed in eight states.
"If it was legalized in New Jersey and it’s legal in Massachusetts and the federal government allowed it to go ahead, what would that do to New York, which is right in the middle?" asked Cuomo.
Cuomo, who was opposed to the idea last year, announced funding to the budget proposal to study legalization.
"I think we should fund DOH to do a study, let them work with the state police and other agencies,” he said.
The study would look at marijuana's impact on health and the criminal justice system.
Residents say regardless of the study’s outcome, they hope lawmakers let the people make the final decision.
Lawmakers have until April 1 to pass a state budget. It’s too early to tell whether funding for the study will be included.
More from News 12
1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

2:29
Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:17
Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

0:30
Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

1:42
Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

0:25
Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:24
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze