A bill to legalize recreational marijuana across the state is not likely to pass before the end of this year's legislative session.
- Use of medical marijuana is already legal in NYS
- Prevention leaders glad the bill has stalled
- Some lawmakers still hopeful bill will pass
"I would be very happy if that were to happen. We have done so much to educate people so that they make the right decisions," said Sally Yageric, Erie County Council for Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse director of community programs.
Local prevention leaders say efforts include working with parent teacher associations, medical professionals, and a coalition of agencies.
They've also encouraged others against the measure to write their local legislators.
"Let them know some of the facts that we know are to be true. We don't give opinions, we educate using research-based information," said Yageric.
"I don't think, as we sit here with 10 days left, the Senate has the votes. The reason I say that is because they said they don't have the votes. So, I'm just taking them at their word," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-NY, on a recent Brian Lehrer radio show.
The bill, among Cuomo's legislative priorities, was taken out of this year's budget, as revenue spending generated from cannabis remains a sticking point.
Other lawmakers say they're still hopeful it'll pass.
"I'm not suggesting that we should push this forward because everybody else is doing it. Or we should push this forward because there's opportunities to make money. We should push this forward because it's the right thing to do," said Crystal Peoples-Stokes, (D) NYS Assembly Legislative majority leader during a recent WBEN radio interview.
Also in favor: Flora Buffalo, a high-tech company in the works with a research facility designed to distribute, cultivate and manufacture cannabis, as well as create jobs and boost the economy.
In a statement Tuesday, company leaders said:
"Flora Buffalo is committed to the City of Buffalo, Western New York and the long-term vision of the Flora Buffalo project regardless of the legislative outcome. We continue to support on the ground education and advocacy efforts for cannabis legalization and believe it's not a matter of if legalization happens, but when. When it does, we want to be ready from day one."
Prevention leaders say they'll be ready too, and continue their effort.
"If the state does chose to legalize, the dangers are still going to be there," said Yageric.
The legislative session ends June 19.