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Advocates still hopeful about marijuana legalization

wnyc.org
Credit wnyc.org

Marijuana legalization has been left out of the state budget, but advocates say not all hope is lost.

Mary Kruger is the executive director of Roc NORML, an advocacy group fighting for the legalization of marijuana.

"We were obviously disappointed that it was left out of the budget," she said via phone, "because we want legalization to happen as soon as possible."

Marijuana legalization advocates react to the latest state budget proposal.

But Kruger also said this gives the state more time to work out the details of legalization. She said her group is fighting for more tax dollars made off marijuana sales to go toward marginalized groups.

"This tax revenue has to be spent in a meaningful way," she said. "If not all of it, then at least, a big chunk of it."

Kruger said her group will continue to work with allies in the Senate and Assembly -- and hopes to see legislation passed that addresses these issues before the end of the session in June.

Copyright 2019 WXXI News

Veronica Volk is the Great Lakes Reporter/Producer for WXXI News, exploring environmental and economic issues, water, and wildlife throughout the region for radio, television, and the web.
Veronica Volk
Veronica Volk is a Reporter/Producer for WXXI News. She comes from WFUV Public Radio, where she began her broadcasting career as a reporter covering the Bronx, and the greater New York City area. She later became the Senior Producer of WFUV’s weekly public affairs show, Cityscape. Originally from Ocean County, New Jersey, Veronica got her B.A. in Communication and Media Studies at Fordham University, concentrating on Media, Culture, and Society.