Sources: Governor Andrew Cuomo's Office, Senate & Assembly Meet To Discuss Marijuana Legalization
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Sources tell CBS2's Marcia Kramer three-way talks about marijuana legalization were conducted between Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office, the Senate and the Assembly on Saturday.
Talks resumed on Sunday, but a deal has not been reached.
New bills are required to age for three days before a vote, so if a deal is not printed by Monday the governor would have to issue a message of necessity to bypass the usual process and allow lawmakers to vote by the Wedensday deadline.
Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted about the matter Sunday, saying, "We have a small window to legalize marijuana the RIGHT way."
With only a few days left this session in Albany, we have a small window to legalize marijuana the RIGHT way.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) June 16, 2019
We can right the wrongs of the past. We can bring fairness to communities of color. We can empower local business and not big corporations.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) June 16, 2019
We have to keep the focus and bring this home.
New York Attorney General Letitia James also took to Twitter to talk about the issue.
Legalizing marijuana is a racial & criminal justice imperative. If we truly want a more fair system, we must ensure that those who were unjustly harmed be given a clean slate.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) June 16, 2019
That means providing full expungement for those convicted for non-violent marijuana offenses. https://t.co/jt8lEkrnz7
Earlier this month, Cuomo said he didn't believe there was enough support to pass the measure in the state Senate this year.
"I don't think it's feasible at this point. I don't think it matters how much I push in 11 days. I think when the Senate says we don't have the votes, I take them at the word," Cuomo told reporters at the time.
Some lawmakers said they wanted to work on a compromise before they adjourn on Wednesday.
New Jersey and their governor, Phil Murphy, admitted defeat on the issue, saying marijuana legislation was being scrapped.
New Jersey plans to push the matter to the voting booths in 2020.