Gov. Andrew Cuomo does not believe legislation legalizing recreational marijuana in New York will pass before lawmakers adjourn for the year this month, he said Monday.
Cuomo, a Democrat, supports legalization but said he doesn't think there are enough votes in the state Senate to pass a measure. Lawmakers are scheduled to finish their session June 19.
While there's broad support for legalization among members of the Democrat-led state Legislature, lawmakers have so far failed to reach a consensus on the many details of taxing and regulating marijuana. Many lawmakers also want legalization to be accompanied by provisions expunging past low-level marijuana convictions.
"I think politically the Senate is not ready to do it," Cuomo told reporters during a Capitol news conference. "It is a politically controversial issue, no doubt. ... I don't think it's feasible at this point."