The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association issued the following statement in response to Governor Hochul's announcement that a conceptual budget agreement has been reached:

April 28, 2023 

We are optimistic that enhanced enforcement authority granted to the cannabis regulators in the conceptual state budget deal will help minimize the booming illicit market, protecting consumers from unregulated and potentially dangerous products.  

However, we remain profoundly disappointed that patients in the struggling medical cannabis program are again being left behind as the proposed elimination of the seven percent excise tax on medical products is not included in the final spending plan.   

It is critical that state officials do everything in their power to increase accessibility and improve affordability for medical patients. 

Due to an ongoing lack of support and the failure to expand the program, as the cannabis law requires, the medical program is losing patients, practitioners, and jobs, and forgoing millions in tax revenue intended to benefit communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs while decision-makers sit on their hands.  

In the post-budget session, the NYMCIA will continue to advocate for legislative improvements to the program, including making it easier and more affordable to become a certified patient and requiring insurance plans to cover medical cannabis.  

We will also push for reciprocity for medical patients from outside New York and protections for cannabis industry employees from financial services discrimination to ensure we can recruit and retain the workforce necessary to serve patients statewide. 

For more information, contact Liz Benjamin, Liz@MarathonStrategies.com, 518-424-0356. 

About The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) 

The New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association is comprised of Columbia Care, Cresco, Curaleaf, Green Thumb Industries, The Botanist and Acreage NY, iAnthus, Pharmacann, and Etain. Our mission is to protect and serve the patients in New York’s medical marijuana program while leading the way for the proposed adult-use industry across the state. Learn more about NYMCIA at https://www.protectnymedmar.com/