A coalition of 18 cannabis industry advocates argues that current regulators are not elevating New York's market to a higher status and urges Gov. Kathy Hochul to seek new guidance from the Office of Cannabis Control with experience in cannabis businesses. requesting that a person be appointed.
But Hochul's office countered that the same advocacy group promoted soft policies that caused serious problems for the office, leading to an proliferation of illegal pot storefronts and long waiting lists for legal applicants.
In a letter to Hochul, advocates accused the Office of Cannabis Control's leadership, including Acting Executive Director Felicia Reed, of being above snuff.
The letter, signed by representatives from the NAACP, Drug Policy Alliance, and Cannabis Social, states, “Finally, restoring confidence in the future of New York's cannabis market development requires the development of cannabis, economic market development, and regulatory approvals.” OCM leadership must change to reflect its expertise in Equity Coalition, National Hispanic Cannabis Association, Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis Association, and others.
Cannabis advocates complain of 'abrupt changes' in cannabis license review and 'failed commitment to fairness' for cannabis dealers from disadvantaged groups, including those with criminal records for possession said.
They attributed the shortcomings to a “lack of experience and experience with cannabis market development and regulatory licensing regimes.”
They also argued that OCM was not complying with the goals set by the law that legalized recreational marijuana sales in New York, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.
“Given our concerns, we strongly urge OCM to appoint someone with a proven track record in areas such as cannabis literacy, financial and economic market development, or regulatory licensing work, equity and community engagement. and a proven commitment to small business growth,” the advocates wrote.
Hochul ordered a shake-up of the Cannabis Agency's management team and hired 64 new staff after a scathing report he commissioned in May openly criticized the way the agency was run.
Former OCM Director Chris Alexander has resigned and is now executive director of the state branch of the NAACP.
The governor's office defended current management and said the accusers are part of the problem, not the solution.
“These are the very same groups that advocated policy choices that have allowed illegal storefronts to flourish almost everywhere and forced rule-abiding entrepreneurs to wait months for licenses,” a Hochul spokesperson said. .
“New York's cannabis market has flourished since Governor Hochul initiated a much-needed reset at OCM, led by Acting Executive Director Felicia AB. Reed. The state has closed more than 1,000 illegal dispensaries, while legal Generating $864 million in sales, York met and even exceeded its capital goals set by the MRTA.”
Hochul officials said the governor will appoint a new executive director “who is committed to market equity and has the management skills, policy knowledge, and expertise necessary to ensure the success of this important industry.” said.
The Post reported last week that the state's legal marijuana market is on pace to hit a milestone of $1 billion in sales by the end of the year or early January.
