New York Office Of Cannabis Management Announces Outreach Events
On January 21, 2022, the New York Office of Cannabis Management [OCM] announced that it would be conducting several outreach events to connect with an inform the community.
The series of virtual community outreach events — called Cannabis Conversations — will begin Thursday, Jan. 27.
11 virtual meetings will be hosted by Tremaine Wright, the current chairman of the New York Cannabis Control Board. The first meeting will be focused in Western New York and the remainder will follow through the middle of February.
An additional statewide event will be held in Spanish.
The virtual events are the first attempt at outreach to communities across New York state to discuss the upcoming industry implementations. New York residents will hear from Chair Wright and OCM leadership about the details of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act [MRTA] and how it serves as a foundation for the new cannabis industry.
The meetings will focus on health, safety and delivering social and economic justice to undo the harms of over policing during the decades-long prohibition of cannabis.
“We’re really looking forward to hosting these Cannabis Conversations. While we intend to inform New Yorkers on the MRTA, we also anticipate hearing and answering their questions and concerns,” Wright said. “This is just the beginning. As we continue to build an equitable New York cannabis industry, we will stay in contact with communities to make sure everyone has the necessary information to stay safe and healthy, and to seize the opportunity for long-term success and access to this industry.”
These meetings will serve as a great opportunity for potential New York cannabis business owners to learn more about the movement of the regulated industry, as well as a chance to directly interact with the OCM to have their questions answered.
“We are working hard everyday to build the new cannabis industry and central to that effort is ensuring New Yorkers understand the legalization law and how it impacts them,” said OCM executive director Chris Alexander. “These Cannabis Conversations are just the start of our community engagement, and we look forward to continuing to connect with New Yorkers as we build an equitable, inclusive industry that protects public health and safety.”
Each event will run between 6-7 p.m. EST, and those who register will receive a link for the event before noon on the day of their registered event.
To register for an upcoming event, click here.
Cannabis Conversation dates are as follows:
¯ Western New York — Thursday, Jan. 27
¯ Finger Lakes — Monday, Jan. 31
¯ New York City — Wednesday, Feb. 2
¯ Southern Tier — Thursday, Feb. 3
¯ Central New York — Monday, Feb. 7
¯ Mohawk Valley — Wednesday, Feb. 9
¯ North Country — Thursday, Feb. 10
¯ Capital Region — Tuesday, Feb. 15
¯ Mid-Hudson — Wednesday, Feb. 16
¯ Long Island — Thursday, Feb. 17
¯ Spanish Speaking (statewide) — Monday, Feb. 21