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 …