Advocacy Groups Demand Gov. Hochul Appoint New Leadership For NY's Cannabis Office

The advocacy organizations have formally requested Governor Kathy Hochul to appoint seasoned leaders to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The coalition emphasizes the need to uphold the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act's (MRTA) equity commitments in New York's cannabis market.

Concerns Over Regulatory Shifts Favoring Big Corporations

The letter, published Tuesday and addressed to Governor Hochul, highlights concerns over the administration's shift away from the MRTA's original equity-focused vision.

Organizations including the NAACP NY State Conference, Black Cannabis Industry Association and Drug Policy Alliance argue that recent regulatory decisions favor large corporations over small businesses and justice-involved entrepreneurs.

New York's cannabis market is projected to reach $1 billion this year, making effective regulation crucial. The advocacy groups point to changes in licensing queues as a significant barrier for smaller, less capitalized businesses. They also criticize the reduced oversight of equity efforts following alterations to the chief equity officer role.

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Coalition Demands Qualified OCM Leader

The letter calls for the appointment of an executive director with expertise in cannabis markets, economic development and regulatory licensing. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate a commitment to equity and ability to engage meaningfully with impacted communities.

According to the coalition, the interim executive director lacks experience in both cannabis and economic markets.

Read Also: NY Cannabis Market Soars To $654M But Equity Licensees Are Left Behind, Report Finds

"In the past few months, we have grown increasingly concerned by the lack of political leadership in fully implementing the MRTA, specifically the lack of funding of social and economic equity programs, a series of short-sighted regulatory decisions and lack of appropriate OCM leadership," the coalition stated in their letter.

Delays, Underfunding Undermine Equity Licensees Support

The group also expressed frustration over chronic delays and underfunding in support programs for equity licensees. They cite the failure to provide promised financial support for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees as a critical issue. These delays, the letter says, threaten the inclusion of justice-involved individuals and small business owners from marginalized backgrounds in the cannabis industry.

Appointing effective leadership is essential to restoring confidence in New York's cannabis market buildout. The group also emphasized that this leadership is crucial for fully realizing New York’s promise to create opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by marijuana prohibition.

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