EXCLUSIVE: New York’s Cannabis Licensing Under Scrutiny: Experts Weigh In
In a considerable move to address the slow rollout of the marijuana market in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul mandated a thorough evaluation of the state’s cannabis licensing process.
The decision was made after the governor expressed her frustration with the lagging progress nearly two months ago.
Gov. Hochul tasked officials with devising a solution to the current inefficient cannabis licensing system amidst increasing numbers of unauthorized marijuana outlets and widespread dissatisfaction with the market’s pace of development.
Legal Hurdles And Slow Progress
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in New York faced legal challenges and operational setbacks for over two years. The governor appointed Jeanette Moy, commissioner of the Office of General Services, to lead a comprehensive review to expedite the application process and facilitate business operations.
Despite receiving 7,000 applications last fall, the OCM has only granted 109 licenses this year, with a team of 32 evaluating the submissions. The slow licensing process, compounded by multiple lawsuits, has significantly …