NOW WE WAIT

TIME IS RUNNING OUT

WITH APPOINTMENTS TO THE CANNABIS CONTROL BOARD UNDERWAY, NY’S PLAN FOR LEGAL CANNABIS IS FINALLY PUT IN MOTION.

New York’s recreational cannabis program is finally in motion with appointments to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) underway. The OCM is responsible for the administration of New York’s cannabis industry. For example, the OCM will be responsible for creating application forms for licenses and permits and will submit completed applications and recommendations to the CCB for final determination of who gets a license.

The NYS Senate recently confirmed two delayed appointments to the CCB during a special legislative session ordered by NY’s new Governor, Kathy Hochul.

Tremaine Wright, formerly a Democratic assemblywoman that represented the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, was confirmed as chairperson of the CCB. Christopher Alexander, a government relations and policy manager for a Canadian cannabis company, was confirmed as executive director of the office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The OCM is the new government regulatory agency for cannabis that will operate similarly to the State Liquor Authority.

Additional appointments to the Cannabis Control Board include former state Senator Jen Metzger and Buffalo Lawyer Adam Perry. The CCB will be tasked with oversight of NY’s cannabis industry (including overseeing the OCM) and will begin by implementing the MRTA.

Adam Perry, a partner at Buffalo-based law firm, Hodgson Russ, LLP (who generously provides our legislative update column), is the State Assembly’s appointment.

“As we create the mechanisms and regulations around the new legal cannabis industry, it is critical that we have people involved that are committed to our communities and to ensuring that the industry serves the people of New York. Adam W. Perry is deeply invested in New York’s communities, and will bring that dedication to his new role and be an asset to the Cannabis Control Board."

– ASSEMBLY SPEAKER

CARL HEASTIE

Jen Metzger, a former lawmaker serving the Hudson Valley district was appointed by the Senate.

“She is a time-tested public servant whose skills will be crucial in addressing the many aspects of this legislation and ensuring that New Yorkers have the fair and equitable adult-use marijuana market they deserve. I look forward to her leadership during this historic process.”

– SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS

The CCB is expected to promulgate regulations and award licenses for the state's cannabis program over the next year. Cannabis sales are expected to generate as much as $350 million in tax revenue for the State, but adult use cannabis sales likely won’t begin until fourth quarter 2022, at the earliest.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie