ALBANY – The effort to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana could see some action by the end of this month. The Albany Times Union is reporting today that the marijuana issue is among the non-fiscal items that could work their way into the state budget prior to its deadline of March 31 – although many expect the budget to be finalized well before that deadline.
Currently in New York State, police now cite the possession of a small amount of marijuana by writing a violation ticket. But having the drugs “in public view” could subject someone to a misdemeanor charge.
Critics of the New York City Police Department’s stop-and-frisk program say some targets are told to take marijuana out of their pockets, where it would only prompt a ticket, and into “public view,” where they can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
Governor Andrew Cuomo pushed the marijuana legalization issue in a bill last year, but it fizzled amid opposition from Senate Republicans. He confirmed it remained a “priority” that has come up in the context of budget negotiations.
Besides the marijuana issue, it still remains unclear if the budget will also include an increase in the minimum wage or a guide to how casinos will be sited.
On Tuesday, the governor met with legislative leaders in his office for an hour. Afterward, all those present said that the meeting was positive but also that a final spending plan has not yet been reached.
Lawmakers said they expect bills to be printed by Monday, with votes coming late next week.
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