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New York’s Cannabis Control Board on Tuesday granted 105 new cannabis licenses, approved final home grow regulations and introduced a new interim director for the Office of Cannabis Management.
In the board’s first meeting since Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the departure of OCM’s inaugural executive director, Chris Alexander, Chair Tremaine Wright opened the session by talking up progress in New York’s legal weed rollout so far, but acknowledging an appetite for a regulatory revamp.
“We are actively shaping the next chapter of New York cannabis; and most importantly, we are leading by listening,” Wright said before introducing Felicia A. B. Reid, who Hochul appointed as Alexander’s successor. “It is important for us all to embrace change.”
Reid’s introduction to New York’s cannabis industry came a day after Hochul announced her appointment as the OCM’s executive deputy director and acting executive director. Reid has over a decade of experience in state government and spent the last six years at the Office of Children and Family Services, overseeing statewide juvenile justice operations as deputy commissioner, Hochul’s office said.
In a brief, informal address, Reid talked about her previous experience at OCFS and seemed to highlight the idea of creating and maintaining strong lines of communication with stakeholders.
“Where I come from, in juvenile justice, we often talk about meeting folks where they’re at, and that involves going out, getting feedback, understanding criticism and seeing where the gaps are, and where we can make things better,” Reid said.
Reid’s appointment came after a bruising Office of General Services report following an inquiry into the OCM. The report described inefficiencies, inexperience and mismanagement at the state’s main agency for cannabis regulation, and led to Alexander’s ouster.
Following the introduction, CCB members approved 105 new cannabis licenses, including 17 retailers, 22 microbusinesses, 25 cultivators, 22 distributors and 19 processors, OCM Chief Operating Officer Patrick McKeage said.
With the new businesses approved, New York has licensed a total of 654 cannabis business applicants, McKeage said.
Board members also gave final approval to regulations for adult-use home cultivation. The CCB had initially approved home grow regulations in February, and the rules went through a 60-day public comment period without significant changes.
“Similar to how people like to brew their own beer or make their wine, it kind of provides that access outside of a regulated framework,” McKeage said. “I will say there is a prohibition on using volatile solvents like butane or propane … we’ve heard horror stories where people are doing things in garages and basements, so please don’t blow yourselves up.”