Following a number of close misses throughout years, Gov. Andrew Cuomo anticipates New York to decriminalize marijuana in 2021. The reason behind forgetting the past reluctance and disagreement is quite straightforward — the state budget requires money.

New Jersey citizens sanctioned cannabis by voting on Tuesday, urging New York to embrace the change. In a meeting with WAMC public radio on Thursday, Cuomo said New Jersey was ultimately right to decide by voting instead of legislation that usually takes more time.

In any case, Cuomo anticipates officials to make an agreement one year from now.

"I think this year it is ripe, because the state is going to be desperate for funding, even with Biden, even with stimulus, even with everything else, we’re still going to be desperate for funding - and it’s also the right policy" Cuomo stated, mentioning 2021 legislative session.

Punishments for limited cannabis possession have been eased, however total legalization was impeded during late session due to disagreement on how to spend extra income.

There is a hole the size of billions of dollars in the state budget due to the COVID pandemic. Without government support and more income (such as cannabis taxes) the gap will result in decreased financing of education and other public sectors.

"You have such a gap now I think it’s going to be an easier conversation," Cuomo said.,

The material was prepared with the participation of translators from the agencies “Prima Vista” www.primavista.ru