BUFFALO, N.Y. — Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes is one of the biggest advocates for the legalization of recreational marijuana for adults. Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo cast some doubt on whether it will happen before the legislative session ends.
In just the past couple of days, some changes were made to the proposal bringing a new sense of optimism.
Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes says it is very likely the state will legalize recreational marijuana before the end of the legislative session in June. A new bill is being worked on that includes enhanced regulations for medical marijuana and hemp, which she says were included in the Governor's plan.
One of the biggest sticking points for her is what the bill says about revenue.
"I think once we get that language clear, without the specificity that it's going to go 20-percent here, 20-percent there, just the clear specificity that there has to be some investment in communities that have been negatively impacted by the mass war and incarceration, once we get that, I think we're good," said Peoples-Stokes.
She also wants people's records expunged or sealed if they've been convicted of low-level marijuana crimes. The Majority Leader says the legal age to use recreational cannabis would be 21. She also revealed Thursday that legislators haven't figured out how much you'd be able to have in your possession yet.
"We're still looking at those numbers, the Governor's at a smaller number than the Senate and I are, but I think we can go somewhere in a happy medium," said Peoples-Stokes.
"What about the number of plants you'd be able to grow? That was the first time I heard anything about that come up," said 2 On Your Side’s Kelly Dudzik.
"The Governor in his proposal said that home grow would only be available if you had medical prescriptions for it. That, I think, is not necessarily fair to people who are already home-growing and quite frankly self-medicating," said Peoples-Stokes. "When you legalize a product and still keep them in an illegal framework because they didn't go and pay a doctor money to get a prescription, to me doesn't seem like it's fair as it should be, so I would be willing to talk a little bit about that, what that number is, but I do think that people should still have the right to do that."
Then, 2 On Your Side asked if Peoples-Stokes had anything else she wanted to pass this session.
"Actually, if we can move this one forward, then I will be good for this session," she replied.
If everything's worked out between the Governor and legislators, we could see what the revised legislation looks like within the next week.
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