Much of Cuomo’s marijuana plan this year seemingly mirrored his legislation in 2019, including the creation of a new state agency to oversee recreational pot, medical marijuana and hemp.
The proposal would limit recreational pot sales to over age 21 and promote social equity in the cannabis industry through various programs. It also is expected to feature a regional approach to legalizing recreational marijuana in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, Cuomo said.
In announcing the plan, Cuomo also touted New York’s prior achievement when lawmakers in June decriminalized possession of small amounts of pot and expunged prior convictions.
The coming political battle over Cuomo's plan is expected to touch on everything from how to tax legal weed to testing and marketing products. The plan continued to estimate collecting $300 million in marijuana tax revenue when fully implemented.