Statement by New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association on FY’21 New York State Budget

The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) and our member firms understand these are trying times that further complicated an already nuanced policy debate.

Though we are disappointed that expansion of the medical cannabis program and legalization of adult-use cannabis were not included in the 2020 state budget, we thank the governor and our legislative champions for their respective leadership. We remain committed to participating in future discussions on this important issue when the time is right.  

NYMCIA also applauds the governor for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most notably for deeming medical cannabis an “essential service,” allowing dispensaries to remain open and giving medical cannabis patients who suffer from chronic pain, PTSD and other conditions and illnesses the relief they require in the face of an unprecedented public health crisis.  

NYMCIA will continue to advocate for critical improvements to the medical cannabis program so even more New Yorkers can benefit from more affordable access to cannabis. 

We look forward to working with the governor and Legislature to address regulatory reforms necessary to improve and broaden access to the medical program and to ensuring that when New York moves to legalize adult use of cannabis, the resulting program is as safe and economically feasible as possible while addressing the decades of harm cannabis prohibition has inflicted on low-income communities of color across the state.    

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