Marijuana Decriminalization Working Way Into State Budget?

A bid to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana is among the non-fiscal items that could work their way into the state budget as negotiations draw to a close.

Governor Andrew Cuomo convened legislative leaders at his capitol office for an hour of closed-door talks Tuesday that the men termed "positive" but which yielded no final agreements.

It is still unclear whether the budget — due by March 31 — will include an increase in the minimum wage or a guide to how casinos will be sited. Lawmakers said they expect bills to be printed by Monday, with votes coming late next week.

But even as controversy over casinos and the minimum wage continued, Cuomo said a plan to ease treatment of a specific type of marijuana possession in the state drug laws was being considered.