Legal marijuana in NY will take more time, Cuomo says

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Legalizing recreational marijuana in New York could take longer than he had hoped, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

The Democrat told reporters Monday that while he still supports legalization he is not confident lawmakers will include it in the state budget, which is due April 1. Cuomo said too many details on legalization have to be agreed upon.

Lawmakers could take up legalization in separate measures before they adjourn in June. If not, it's questionable if legalization will happen this year.

Cuomo had wanted legalization to be included in the budget.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie expressed similar doubts about the timeline in January, saying lawmakers shouldn't rush the measure.

Supporters want lawmakers to act quickly to catch up to states such as Massachusetts that have already legalized recreational marijuana.