Politicians Begin Push to Legalize Marijuana in New York

And, obviously, tax the hell out of it

Riding high on optimism, State Senator Liz Krueger and a bevy of Democratic pols began a public push today to legalize and tax marijuana in New York State.

Ms. Krueger will soon introduce legislation to legalize pot in the State Senate, beginning an uphill battle that could pit her against Republicans, who partially control the Senate chamber, and possibly Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

Speaking today, Ms. Krueger defended the bill in the face of expected criticism.

"Am I supporting this legislation because I think everybody should go out and smoke marijuana or because I want to smoke marijuana? No," the East Side lawmaker said at a press conference on the steps of City Hall. "I don't believe a drug that is proven to be less dangerous, from a health perspective, than alcohol or tobacco should be under laws that actually criminalize and ruin lives when alcohol or tobacco are regulated and taxed."