Gov. Andrew Cuomo took another step toward legalizing marijuana in New York, announcing the formation of a 20-person work group to draft legislation allowing for recreational use by adults.

Thursday’s announcement came on the heels of a state health-department study that addressed the effects of pot legalization on public health, the economy and the criminal-justice system. The final report, released last month, concluded that the positive effects of a regulated marijuana market would outweigh the potential negatives.

“As we work to implement the report’s recommendations through legislation, we must thoroughly consider all aspects of a regulated marijuana program, including its impact on public health, criminal justice and State revenue, and mitigate any potential risks associated with it,” Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a statement.

When asked for comment on the work group, a spokesman for state Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said Republicans in the chamber are focused on affordability, opportunity and security. “Let the governor and New York City Democrats focus on legalizing drugs, but that’s not where our attention is,” the spokesman said.

Lawmakers and advocates have been working to move marijuana legislation in the past year. Senate Bill S3040, otherwise known as the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, was introduced in early 2017 and proposes legalization. The measure is still in the Senate Finance Committee and hasn’t received a vote.