The following statement can be attributed to the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association

We applaud Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders for ending the political logjam and reaching an agreement on key appointments to the Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board that will enable the state to finally move forward with establishing a fair, equitable and safe adult-use program. These diverse appointees possess a wealth of knowledge, understanding and experience that will be integral in ensuring that the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) is implemented in a manner that best meets New York’s unique needs. We hope the new leaders bring urgency to the implementation of much-needed changes to the medical cannabis program that were approved when the MRTA became law five months ago. The suffering of thousands of medical marijuana patients across the state has been senselessly and unnecessarily prolonged as a result of months of inaction. We urge the new regulators to make improvements to the medical cannabis program their first order of business, which should include expansion of medical licenses to improve operator diversity. NYMCIA strongly supports efforts that ensure members of communities of color that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition now have an opportunity to benefit from its legalization.