Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Tue, Feb. 16, outlined amendments to his budget plan, providing some details of his plan to legalize marijuana for adult use statewide. If the proposal is made law, the state would spend $100 million in revenue from the resulting sales for a social equity fund, which is meant to boost communities affected by past drug laws. The funding would support qualified non-profit groups that provide job support, adult education, mental health services, housing support, community banking, nutritional services and more. "As we work to reimagine, rebuild, and reopen New York, we're taking every opportunity to address and correct decades of institutional wrongs to build back better than ever before," Cuomo said. At the same time, Cuomo has scaled back criminal penalties for illegal drug sales, reducing the criminal sale of marijuana to someone under 21 to a misdemeanor. Selling marijuana over 16 ounces or 80 grams of concentrate would remain felonies. The state budget is expected to pass by March 31. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.