On Friday September 24, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, D, spoke at the Business Council of New York State’s annual meeting. There, she discussed how cannabis legalization, as well as the start of the recreational sales market, will create “thousands and thousands of jobs.”

“We do want to go big or go home, and I want to help you get there,” Hochul explained to business owners. “I need you to survive because you’re the identity of New York that people create jobs and opportunities. You are who we are as New Yorkers. Your success means the success of this entire state.”

“So count me in as an ally—someone who’s going to be there for you, who will fight for you to make sure that we do not lose out to any competition, whether it’s in the space of cannabis, where I believe there’s thousands and thousands of jobs and new industries, to be created that were not even focused on,” she concluded.

Cannabis Board

In addition to making cannabis a priority after she took office, the New York governor has made appointments and recommendations to both the Office of Cannabis Management and the Cannabis Control Board. Appointments are necessary to get the recreational cannabis market off the ground and up and running. However, former Governor Cuomo, D, neglected to do so before he resigned at the end of August. 

The Senate has confirmed the recommendations put forth by Governor Hochul for the Office of Cannabis Management. The governor herself has appointed three members to the Cannabis Control Board. These board members do not need confirmation from the legislature. 

Under the state’s current legalization law, the Office of Cannabis Management is under the New York State Liquor Authority. The purpose of the Office of Cannabis Management is to regulate the recreational market. Additionally, the office will manage the medical and hemp markets. Together with the Cannabis Control Board, they will work together to create and run the cannabis market across New York.

Next Steps

With appointments almost complete, the state can begin to set the rules for the recreational cannabis market. That way sales can begin sooner, the state can begin to receive revenue, and businesses can open to the public. 

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