In a letter addressed to New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D), 18 organizations expressed growing concerns over the administration’s shift away from the social equity promises made in the state’s adult-use cannabis law. The coalition, consisting of civil rights groups, small business advocates, cannabis equity leaders, and drug policy organizations, called for stronger leadership at the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to ensure the law’s equity-focused vision is realized.
The letter highlighted key issues, including a lack of funding for social and economic equity programs, short-sighted regulatory decisions, and the appointment of an interim OCM director with no experience in cannabis or economic development. These actions have raised alarm, especially as New York’s cannabis market continues to develop.
The groups also criticized the state’s recent licensing review process, which they claim deprioritized smaller, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, leaving many small enterprises and justice-involved entrepreneurs at risk of missing opportunities. The letter further pointed to changes in the Chief Equity Officer role, which would limit oversight of equity-centered decisions in licensing and market regulations.
The organizations expressed concern that the administration is not fully addressing the urgent needs of the cannabis market, particularly in supporting small businesses and ensuring equal access to opportunities for historically marginalized communities.
The letter was signed by prominent groups such as the Black Cannabis Industry Association, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the Minority Cannabis Business Association, among others.
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