August 24 saw New York’s new governor, Kathy Hochul, D, sworn in after former Governor Andrew Cuomo, D, resigned amidst sexual harassment charges. Governor Hochul only spoke briefly after she became sworn in as New York’s first female governor. However, she mentioned a few upcoming changes her administration plans to tackle first. This included getting New York’s recreational cannabis market up and running a priority.
New York Cannabis
New York legalized recreational cannabis in March of this year. However, since former Governor Cuomo signed the bill into law, no action has necessarily taken place. No appointments or nominations have come from the governor’s office for the Cannabis Control board. There is also no executive director for the Office of Cannabis Management. Both boards must have nominations confirmed by the Senate before they can begin creating regulation rules for the state. Governor Cuomo and several senators apparently clashed on who should be nominated and who would be appointed.
New York’s legislative body took a break over the summer, which further delayed appointments. This could push back the start date for retail businesses as well as when farmers and producers can begin creating and producing the legalized product. One senator filed a bill to allow farmers to begin growing cannabis before the final rules launch. However, retail rules must follow soon after so those farmers can sell their product and increase the state’s economic activity.
Hochul Administration
During her brief speech to the state, Governor Hochul expressed the need for the recreational cannabis market to get up and running.
“Nominating and confirming individuals with diverse experiences and subject matter expertise, who are representative of communities from across the state, to the Cannabis Control Board is a priority,” Governor Hochul’s representative told the New York Post. “We look forward to working with the legislature to keep this process moving forward.”
New York state looks to benefit from the recreational cannabis market. An estimated 60,000 jobs will open up, approximately $3.5 billion dollars in economic activity will happen, and consumers will generate $350 million in annual tax revenue.
Activist Response
Activists are cheering this push forward already from Governor Hochul. “It’s about time,” said Kassandra Frederique. She is the current executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “New Yorkers have been clear that cannabis is a critical criminal justice issue that the administration should be prioritizing. And they’ve also been clear that they want to see the communities that have been most impacted governing the new market and the larger regulatory institution.
“It makes sense, since women were at the forefront of leading this reform, that the first woman governor would be the one to get it done,” Frederique added.
It appears the recreational cannabis market is moving forward in New York. Currently, adults 21 and over can possess up to three ounces of cannabis on them at one time. Cannabis consumers can also smoke cannabis publicly anywhere tobacco smokers can. With upcoming appointments, further rules and regulations will become established for the state and those who wish to enjoy recreational cannabis.
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