One of the early disabled veterans to operate a legal cannabis store is raising concerns about state cannabis regulators jeopardizing his business by not renewing his license, which is set to expire on February 12.
Osbert Orduna, a Marine Corps veteran, expressed his worries during a recent Cannabis Control Board meeting, emphasizing that the jobs of 30 employees could be at stake if their licenses are not renewed. Supporters believe the denial stems from Orduna signing a contract with a new union.
“By neglecting essential management responsibilities, you’re fostering a genuinely hopeless situation,” stated Orduna, who operates The Cannabis Place in Middle Village.
He highlighted that the sole change in his application for a two-year renewal was entering into a collective bargaining agreement with the International Federation of Journeymen and Allied Trades, Local 420, instead of the previous union, Local 338 of the RWDSU/UFCW.
“It doesn’t smell right,” remarked Guy James, executive director of the Local 420 UJAT, when asked if the cannabis regulator was delaying Orduna’s application because of his decision to part ways with a rival union.
Orduna, a prominent figure in New York’s cannabis landscape, has also been critical of the state’s cannabis regulators. He joined a lawsuit alleging misinterpretation of rules concerning a buffer zone between marijuana dispensaries and schools.
He expressed concern that the Bureau of Cannabis Control might be perceived similarly to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for their treatment of veterans. Orduna shared a troubling sentiment about the struggles veterans face within indifferent bureaucracies.
Veterans, particularly disabled ones, are given priority in cannabis business licenses under the state’s legalization law. However, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) clarified in a letter to Orduna that his business can continue operating under the expired license until the Cannabis Control Board decides on the renewal.
OCM assured that they would reach out to licensees if any concerns arose during the review process before recommending decisions to the Cannabis Control Board.
Additionally, Orduna voiced concerns regarding legal implications if licenses expire, mentioning that landlords could potentially take drastic actions if licenses lapse. OCM said they would communicate appropriately to prevent such circumstances.
Currently, there are 582 licensed cannabis dispensaries—this number has more than doubled since 2024—which highlights ongoing issues related to management and regulatory processes.
