After Governor Kathy Hochul was promoted to Governor of New York, there are some more positive news: the appointment of the Marijuana Control Board and the Office of Marijuana Management should come soon! August 25, 2021, The New York Post Report:

“’Nominating and confirming individuals with different experiences and subject expertise, who represent communities from across the state, joining the Cannabis Control Board is a priority for Governor Hochul,” the new Governor’s spokesperson Jordan Bennet told The Post.

“We look forward to working with the legislature to push this process forward.” Representative Hochul said. “

There are many things that can be unraveled in just a few quotations. First, it sounds like Governor Hochul is focusing on appointing individuals with experience in the cannabis industry. Considering that the mission of CCB and OCM is to create a (legal) adult cannabis industry in New York, a true understanding of the actual impact of the industry and its rules is critical to the successful establishment of MRTA.

For this reason, through correct experience and foresight, many potential mistakes can be easily avoided. We want something simple:

• First issue planting permits so that there will be sufficient supply after the pharmacy starts operations;
• Allow on-site consumption licensees to sell retail cannabis; and
• A sufficient number of licenses are issued for each license type and geographic area to serve consumers.

It is also gratifying to see that Governor Hochul will focus on the appointment of applicants for social and economic equity. The plan to grant 50% of the license to equity applicants sounds good, but without the financial and mentoring resources available to equity applicants (which are equally important in our view), the social and economic equity program is doomed to fail. Appointing the right people who represent the diverse community in New York will greatly help prioritize the things necessary to support the success of the equity program.

As we discussed with New York City Council Member Keith Powers, We are optimistic that Governor Hochul will initiate the rulemaking process by making the appointment we have been waiting for. I am very relieved to see that it really happened. Once we get any indications about potential appointees, we will provide as much information and background as possible to gain insight into the direction of the industry. Hope that good news and actual developments continue to emerge.