Hochul Promises New Leadership Amid NY’s Slow Cannabis Rollout
- Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her dissatisfaction with the slow process of issuing legal licenses and the spread of illegal dispensaries in New York’s cannabis regulatory framework, suggesting potential leadership changes.
- She is advocating for legislation that would empower local law enforcement to shut down illegal operations more effectively, after the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance conducted 60 shop inspections, seizing drugs worth over $3 million.
- Given the slow approval of legal dispensaries, which has left many New Yorkers and their significant financial investments in limbo, Governor Hochul is committed to rectifying the situation and acknowledging the program’s shortcomings since its inception under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, suggesting potential shifts in strategy and leadership to speed up the establishment of a functional, legal cannabis market in New York.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Discontent with New York’s Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed significant dissatisfaction with New York state’s cannabis regulatory framework. She addressed concerns about the slow issuance of legal licenses and the rampant illegal dispensaries across the state, evidencing potential leadership changes ahead.
Illegal Cannabis Shops in New York
During a speech in Syracuse, Hochul underscored the need for stronger enforcement against an estimated 36,000 unauthorized cannabis shops. She noted that the current team of 14 investigators is insufficient to handle the magnitude of the problem.
Hochul Advocates New Legislation to Tackle Illegal Operations
Responding to these challenges, Hochul is pushing for legislation that would enable local law enforcement to more effectively shut down illegal operations. This coincides with recent measures from the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance, which have carried out 60 shop inspections and seized drugs worth over $3 million.
Bipartisan Group’s Criticism Underlines Need for Reform
The criticisms from Governor Hochul and a bipartisan group of senators highlight the pressing need for reform in New York’s cannabis industry. The slow approval process for legal dispensaries is causing uncertainty for many New Yorkers with substantial financial investments at stake.
Hochul’s Commitment to Legal Cannabis Market
With a commitment to rectify the situation, Hochul acknowledges the program’s shortcomings since its inception under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and suggests potential strategy and leadership changes to expedite the creation of a functional, legal cannabis market in New York.
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