Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced a campaign April 18 designed to combat New York's illicit cannabis market.
"Why Buy Legal New York" is a public education campaign focused on protecting the public's health and safety and promoting social equity and community reinvestment, according to a press release.
Unregulated storefronts remain a threat in New York. In February, the New York City Police Department estimated 1,300 unlicensed cannabis establishments were in New York City alone.
“To bolster the public health and safety of all New Yorkers, we are providing them with information they need to make informed decisions and enjoy cannabis responsibly," Hochul said. "As we continue to build a healthier and more equitable cannabis market, I am proud to launch this important public education campaign to promote safer, legal purchases of cannabis from licensed dispensaries throughout our state."
The digital campaign will target New York cannabis consumers aged 21 years and older and educate them on why they should purchase cannabis from licensed storefronts, as well as the potential health risks associated with purchasing from the illicit market. The campaign will also outline "how buying legal supports the advancement of New York's social and economic equity goals for communities across the state," according to the release.
"We want to make sure that New Yorkers are informed about the potential risks and benefits of using cannabis," said Chris Alexander, executive director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. "Our goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions and to ensure they have access to the safest products available."
Moreover, the campaign will provide consumers with various educational materials regarding multiple topics, such as how to find licensed dispensaries, safe cannabis consumption and more, according to the release.
"Our 'Why Buy Legal New York' campaign is critical to educating New Yorkers about the importance of purchasing cannabis legally from licensed dispensaries. These PSAs are designed to offer a striking contrast to the exaggerations and incorrect messaging so many experienced during the prohibition of cannabis," said Lyla Hunt, deputy director of Public Health & Education Campaigns. "By emphasizing the health and safety benefits of buying legally, we hope to build trust in the regulated cannabis industry and encourage New Yorkers to make informed decisions regarding cannabis consumption. This campaign is also an opportunity to address historical harms and promote community reinvestment while providing valuable information about the regulated cannabis space. We are excited to launch this campaign and believe it will make a significant difference in the lives of New Yorkers, supporting a safer and more equitable cannabis industry for all and furthering New York State's education first approach."
