Cannabis Groups Pressure New York Governor for Industry-Savvy Leaders

Eighteen cannabis industry groups in New York are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to bring in new leadership for the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). They feel the current regulators haven't been effective in running the state's cannabis market. The groups, including the NAACP and Drug Policy Alliance, want leaders with hands-on experience in the cannabis business. They blame poor management for issues like illegal pot shops and long waiting lists for legal licenses. Hochul's office fired back, saying these same groups pushed for policies that led to these problems. The governor's office maintained that since the management shake-up, the state has closed many illegal dispensaries and sales have reached $864 million. They promise a new leader who is committed to equity and success in the industry.