‘Comical’ $15M Fine Against Unlicensed NY Weed Shop, Gov. Hochul Gets Grilled For Cannabis Program Debacle
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a major overhaul of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) two weeks ago following a scathing internal report.
A web of inefficiencies and inexperience has left legal cannabis operators frustrated and financially strained for the past two years.
One of the outcomes of the shakeup was the sacking of the director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Chris Alexander.
Now, Hochul’s decision has sparked debate among lawmakers who want to know what’s next for the state’s cannabis industry.
What Happened To Social Equity Plans?
Despite initial intentions to prioritize social equity by allocating licenses to nonprofits and individuals with prior cannabis convictions or those who suffered from the War on Drugs, the process has been marred by lawsuits, delays and regulatory inconsistencies.
State Assembly member Michaelle Solages (D-Long Island), chair of the legislature’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian …