Jon Campbell is reporting for the Democrat & Chronicle New York could legalize adult-use marijuana as a way to generate revenue and help with the state's multi-billion-dollar budget deficit, according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Cuomo made the comment during a virtual event held October 15 to promote his new book. The governor was asked by Bravo television host and producer Andy Cohen: When is New York going to legalize marijuana? "Soon, because now we need the money," Cuomo replied. The governor went on to say that he has tried to get legalization done in the last few years. "There are a lot of reasons to get it done, but one of the benefits is it also brings in revenue, and all states — but especially this state — we need revenue and we’re going to be searching the cupboards for revenue. And I think that is going to put marijuana over the top.” Cuomo entered office in 2011 as an opponent of legalization both for medical and recreational purposes. He has since reversed his position. Since 2018, Cuomo and the Democrat-led Senate and Assembly have struggled to reach consensus on a statewide system for regulating marijuana, mainly due to a disagreement over how the revenue should be spent. The governor's budget office has projected a $60 billion budget shortfall through the 2024 fiscal year and legalizing marijuana could provide $300 million a year when the program is fully in effect. A spokesperson for state Sen. Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat who sponsors the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, said the senator would be "delighted" to work with Cuomo to pass the bill. Read the full story in the Democrat & Chronicle.