Pot advocates spar with Gov. Hochul over leadership and 'knee-jerk changes' with state cannabis office: 'Failed commitments to equity'

To ultimately restore confidence in the future of New York's cannabis market buildout, OCM's leadership must change to reflect expertise in cannabis, economic market development, and regulatory licensing.

The cannabis advocates complained about 'knee-jerk changes' in review of cannabis licenses and 'failed commitments to equity' for pot merchants from disadvantaged groups.

They attributed the shortcomings to a 'lack of experience and exposure to cannabis market development and regulatory licensing regimes.'

Given our concerns, we implore you to appoint an Executive Director to OCM who has a demonstrated track record in the following areas: cannabis literacy, financial economic market development, or regulatory licensing operations.

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