New York officials this week released a broad report on the implementation of the state's marijuana legalization law, signed by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in 2021.
The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) report details what regulators describe as "the successful efforts to realize the intent" of the law: "to promote equity and expand opportunities for communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, foster a thriving and growing cannabis market and the economic opportunities it brings, protect and promote public health and safety, enforce cannabis laws and regulations, and protect the environment."
While New York has run into a number of obstacles during the first years of legalization—including a slow market rollout, leadership controversies, and so-called "predatory deals" around the state's marijuana social equity fund—officials behind the new report said they were confident New York is poised for success.
"This Implementation Report reflects our commitment to equity and transparency, and I'm proud of the progress we've made over the past three years to lay a strong foundation for New York's cannabis market," Tremaine Wright, chair of the state Cannabis Control Board, said in a statement. "Since day one our focus has always been on creating a fair and inclusive cannabis industry that repairs and restores the harms of the past while building opportunities for the future."
Read more at Marijuana Moment.