New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Calls for Marijuana to be Legalized
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today called for marijuana to be legalized in his state as part of a “true justice agenda”.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (photo; Reuters).
“Let’s legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all,” said Cuomo. He said that he plans to push for the measure within 100 days, reports NBC New York. Cuomo didn’t provide a specific timeline for when he believes legalization would become a reality.
Cuomo’s comments marks the first time he’s ever stated support for legalizing marijuana; he shied away from the issue almost entirely during his first two terms (he won reelection last month), and once referred to cannabis as a “gateway drug”. In July he said that the “situation on marijuana is changing”, which was the first indication that he may eventually support legalization as he now says he does.
Cuomo said on Monday that New York has had “two criminal justice systems — one for the wealthy and one for everyone else,” adding that “that’s going to end.”
Following Cuomo’s announcement, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman expressed support for the measure.
“Time is long past due to do the right thing and undo the horrific laws that criminalized marijuana and marijuana users,” she said.