ALBANY — New York's largest farm advocacy organization is backing legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use.

"Given the current status of the farm economy in New York state, farmers recognize the potential opportunity the cultivation of cannabis could be for New York state's agriculture industry," the New York Farm Bureau said in a statement.

Legalization of adult-use marijuana is a priority for legislative leaders and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, but its adoption is considered unlikely during the final two weeks of the legislative session.

Legalization of recreational marijuana was a central part of Cuomo's budget proposal, but it was dropped from discussions amid push-back from parents, medical professionals and law enforcement officials, who argued that commercialization would exacerbate the state's opioid epidemic and put more impaired drivers on the road. Many legislators also have expressed concerns about legalization.

In response to Monday's announcement, a group formed by President Barack Obama's former drug policy advisor to oppose legalization said the Farm Bureau had been duped about the potential economic benefits of the marijuana industry.

"This industry isn't about helping small family farms," said Smart Approaches to Marijuana New York President Dr. Kevin Sabet in a statement.

"Big Marijuana's main interest is year-round operation. Hardly possible in New York's climate," Sabet said. "Grow operations cost millions to get off the ground and are run in large warehouses, not on small family farms. It's a cash crop that requires massive amounts of water and electricity. Pot products will be largely produced by existing out-of-state industrial growers not upstate farmers."

The statement from the Farm Bureau notes that the legislation proposed by Democratic lawmakers would give farmers priority consideration when the state issues licenses for marijuana related activities.

"For a successful implementation of a cannabis program in New York state, if legalized, farmers must have an active role in the growth and production, as well as development and implementation of the recreational cannabis program in the state," the Farm Bureau said. "Including New York agriculture both as cultivators and as advisors for cannabis would help make this program a success for the state, if legalized."

The marijuana legislation would create an advisory board, which is supported by the Farm Bureau, but they would also like to have a set number of seats on that panel reserved for farmers.

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87