Governor Andrew Cuomo was essentially dismissive of the overwhelming demand to legalize recreational marijuana in New York during his tenure. He once even called marijuana the “gateway drug” and only seemed to pivot when Cynthia Nixon primaried him. Now Cuomo is a “convert” to the cause and a newly empowered Democratic State Senate appears ready to make New York the eleventh state to legalize marijuana.
But many roadblocks remain, and what once seemed inevitable is anything but. Cuomo announced recently he was dropping a proposal to legalize marijuana from his executive budget. On Brian Lehrer, Cuomo went on to say “Let’s be clear, it is on the table and we’re still talking about it.” Which in political double-speak, doesn’t look good.
Here are some photo’s from grassroots movements like the NYC Cannabis March that serve as a reminder of decriminalization.
(photo’s by: DAVID “DEE” DELGADO)