New York Governor Launches Probe of State’s Cannabis Regulatory Authority

ALBANY, N.Y., March 18, 2024 – PRESS RELEASE – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul initiated an assessment of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to identify opportunities for improvement and begin implementation of a strategic plan for the long-term success of the legal cannabis rollout. Commissioner for the Office of General Services Jeanette Moy will serve as lead and executive sponsor of the effort, supported by experienced state government leaders.

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“Today, we take the first step in revamping New York’s legal cannabis industry to ensure its long-term success,” Hochul said. “I have full confidence in Commissioner Moy’s ability to identify areas that need improvement, establish standards and processes across agencies, and jumpstart the next phase of New York’s legal cannabis market.

Moy said, “Governor Hochul has prioritized a state government that is transparent, more efficient and responsive for all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with OCM’s leadership to help get this agency’s work on track and find ways to streamline the application process and get businesses open.”

OCM Executive Director Chris Alexander said, “We have built a cannabis market based on equity, and there is a lot to be proud of. At the same time, there is more we can do to improve OCM’s operations, and we know Commissioner Moy, a proven leader in government, will help us get where we need to be. We owe it to operators across the supply chain and consumers alike, who are looking for more access and opportunity in our budding, regulated market. At the end of the day, it’s all about doing what’s right for New Yorkers.”

Commissioner Moy will embed in OCM for a minimum 30-day sprint to assess the agency’s organization. As part of the plan, several goals have been identified, including:

• Top-down review of organizational structure, processes, and systems with a focus on improving OCM license processing times and application-to-opening timeframes for new cannabis retailers and businesses.
• Develop key performance metrics and an executive-level licensing dashboard to provide the Executive Chamber with a timely, accurate, and comprehensive picture of licensing activity for legal retailers.
• Identify and implement changes to policy, procedure, and regulation (within the bounds of the MRTA) to streamline the licensing process and simplify application and review for prospective licensees.
• Develop three-month and six-month action plans with organizational change initiatives, milestones, and actions to continue improving agency functions while developing a world-class licensing and regulatory agency for New York States’ cannabis industry.

Moy will have access to resources from OGS, the Office of Information Technology Services, and other state agencies to support the development of systems and dashboards. Additionally, OCM leadership and staff will work in partnership with Moy and her team to help streamline the assessment process.

Following the initial 30-day period, the potential for external consulting may be considered to support a second, longer-duration phase of the effort.