Kathy Hochul, New York’s first female governor, is set to take office on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Our cannabis clients are eager to see how the regulatory scheme unfolds for the New York adult-use industry, and Greenspoon Marder and our affiliates are following closely.
Ms. Hochul will be responsible for appointing three of five members of the Cannabis Control Board, which will govern the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The OCM will regulate cannabis in New York and will issue licenses and develop regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the new industry. According to the New York state government website:
The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) legalizes cannabis for adults 21 years of age or older. This law sets out a framework that will comprehensively regulate cannabis in New York State in a manner that will protect public health and safety, while promoting social equity and economic development. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will license cultivators, processors, distributors and dispensaries to grow and sell cannabis in New York. To protect consumer safety, there will be laboratory testing and packaging and labeling requirements for cannabis products. The Office will create a social and economic equity program to encourage small businesses and communities disproportionally harmed by disparate drug enforcement to participate in the new industry.
Our attorneys are committed to being part of the conversation as the adult-use market unfolds in New York. Please sign up for our blog alerts as we track the latest developments.
