New York State Moves Closer To Legalizing Marijuana

The New York Post reports:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday named several close allies and aides to a new panel he is convening to draft legislation that would result in the legalization of recreational marijuana.

“I have reviewed the multi-agency report commissioned last January and have discussed its findings with Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker,” Cuomo said in a statement. “The next steps must be taken thoughtfully and deliberately.”

The two-term governor has dramatically shifted his position on pot legalization as he faces a spirited primary challenge from activist and actress, Cynthia Nixon. As recently as 2017, Cuomo called it a “gateway” drug and vigorously opposed its legalization.

RELATED: Upon the direction of District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., yesterday Manhattan formally ended most arrests for marijuana possession and public smoking.