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It took a few years, but the New York legislature finally passed a recreational Cannabis bill. Tell us a bit about your efforts to bring a legal marijuana industry to the Empire State.
For the last couple of years I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Start SMART New York, a group that was convened by the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). Start SMART was instrumental in passing the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), earlier this year in New York. I’m licensed to practice in New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Illinois – and I was able to draw upon my experiences across a wide variety of states. And through experiences in states with different programs, I had some things to say about the way New York’s program was rolled out – particularly because I saw some real shortcomings in other states. Through testifying to members of the NYS legislature about my experiences and how different regulations worked and drafting suggestions to NYS’ legislation, it’s been really exciting to participate in the creation of New York’s new law.
CRISTINA BUCCOLA is a New York-based Cannabis attorney, advisor and advocate. Most recently, Cristina offered guidance on legalization to NY legislators based on her extensive experience with regulated and inclusive marijuana programs. She sat down with The Leaf to update us on her state’s new laws and the progress of social equity across the legal Cannabis states. AUG. 2021
