Marijuana legalization is "not likely" to be approved in the state budget this year as state officials grapple with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a news briefing on Tuesday. 

"Too much, too little time," Cuomo said. 

The state budget is expected to be a brutal one this year and is being conducted under an even thicker veil of secrecy than in prior years. 

The development is a disappointment for criminal justice advocates who had pushed for the legalization of marijuana this year after falling short in 2019. Ultimately lawmakers approved a package of measures designed to decriminalize marijuana usage. 

But the broader budget plan remains up in the air with the spending package due by Wednesday, the start of the state's fiscal year. 

Part of the issue surrounding the uncertatinty of the spending plan is the lack of money. Tax revenue has dried up. Cuomo is turning back $6 billion in federal aid because the legislation authorizing it was linked to blocking changes in the Medicaid program. 

"We are where we are," Cuomo said. "The numbers don't lie. The numbers leave with you few alternatives."

It's not yet clear how many oxen will ultimately be gored in the budget, but the biggest items -- like education -- are not expected to go unscathed.  

Cuomo and lawmakers may move to a flexible spending model that would allow the administration to make changes and adjustments throughout the year without the Legislature's approval. 

"Do you really believe they want to come back here and cut the budget?" Cuomo said with a laugh. "I give them total authority to come back and cut the budget." 

But Cuomo has reserved his harshest words for the federal legislation that he said fell short for New York. 

"We took a pounding," Cuomo said. "We did not get our fair share."