Advocacy Coalition urges Cuomo and New York State to keep the promises of the cannabis law

By Imani A. Dawson

March 31st, Governor Cuomo signed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation (MRTA), which is considered to be one of the fairest in the country. The law has the potential to create the largest legal cannabis industry in the country and mitigate the damage black and brown communities suffer in the process.

Three months later, legalization stalled in New York. Elected officials have not taken clear and public steps to create the promised cannabis industry based on social justice, economic justice and ecological renewal. Every day that goes by without the administrative structure to implement the MRTA harms New Yorkers. The lack of transparency regarding the selection criteria and the lack of action in the selection of candidates undermine this historic victory.

Photo by Joshua Earle via Unsplash

New York Cannabis United (NYCU), an association of New York cannabis advocacy organizations, businesses, farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those disproportionately affected by the cannabis ban, urges both the Cuomo administration and New York state lawmakers to incorporated into the new law through the rapid appointment of senior executives to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) who represent the geographic and cultural diversity of New York State.

Read the full letter below.

Dear Governor Cuomo and New York Legislature:

We are a dedicated group of New York cannabis law reform and advocacy organizations, trade associations, businesses, farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs, affected individuals, and people negatively affected by the racially diverse application of cannabis laws and regulations. We have come together to urge every elected official in New York who has control over the enforcement of laws, from the governor to the Senate and the Assembly, to without further delay bring adequate leadership to the Cannabis Control Board and Office of Cannabis .

RELATED: New York’s Cannabis Control Board – What’s Up?

Governor Cuomo announced the victory of NY’s new cannabis law, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, signed March 31, 2021, stating, “This was one of my top priorities on this year’s State of the State agenda, and I am proud of it that these major reforms address and balance the social justice, security and economic impact of legal adult cannabis use. I thank both the guide and spokesman and the tireless advocacy of so many for helping make this historic day possible. ”Truly, the New York cannabis law promises to elevate our state. In order for the new law to realize its enormous potential and become the national model for creating an industry that puts communities, people, health and the environment above profit, we must have leadership that reflects these principles.

Photo by Scott Heins / Getty Images

Although Cuomo calls this a priority, legalization has already stalled. If this new law was a joint victory between government and lawmakers, why is there such disagreement about who should implement these consensus-based goals? It is time to stop talking about diversity, equity, and inclusivity and take bold steps to manifest these principles. The will of the people should be reflected in the implementation of the new law. Appointments should represent the geographic and cultural diversity of our state and represent the obligations enshrined in law on social justice, economic inclusion, small business and redress for communities hardest hit by drug ban policies.

RELATED: What’s the Schedule for Adult Cannabis Sales in New York?

Now is the time to realize the projected $ 350 million in tax revenue and 30,000 to 60,000 new jobs across the state. Failure to move forward with acceptable appointees undermines that victory and only encourages communities to unsubscribe; discourages transforming old markets, allowing non-governmental, unregulated, and often pesticide-laden cannabis to be sold in New York communities; Delays redress for communities hardest hit by the drug war; allows unregulated indoor cultivation to continue to the detriment of the environment; and limits the opportunities for aspiring farmers and small business owners.

Only when these key positions are properly created can we make progress towards a cannabis community that elevates and prioritizes New Yorkers, our climate, our environment, our economy, and our health. We need political leadership that starts from the premise that the needs of protecting NY farmers; Developing small business opportunities; Creating a level playing field for equity applicants; and giving New Yorkers a path to market entry is more important than political gain.

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It is now legal to use cannabis in New York, but it is still illegal for anyone but licensed medicinal cannabis companies to grow or sell it. Any further delay in implementation will further disadvantage applicants for equity capital and result in the industry striving to start operations and plant fields in time for the next year’s growing season. This can be avoided. Get back together now for a special session and honor your stated commitments to the New York electorate. We urge Governor Cuomo to work swiftly with New York state lawmakers to appoint a cannabis control board and leadership of the Office of Cannabis Management that reflects the people of that state. Keep your promise and exalt New York.

With best regards,

● BudsFeed LLC

● Cannabis Education Advocacy Symposium & Expo (CEASE)

● Cannaklusiv

● CannaKultur

● Cannasigliere, LLC

● Cannaware Society

● Community board 9

● Chickweed farms

● Conscious communication

● Empire State NORML

● Ganja War Veterans for Justice

● GHHS, LLC / Uplifting Health and Wellness

● Grass is greener PR

● Harlem farms

● NYC Hemp Laboratory

● Hempire State breeder

● Jason Green Consulting

● Legal market strategies

● Shinnecock Nation’s Little Beach Harvest

● Mannada, LLC

● NY Small Farma

● NYC NORM

● NYU CannaPolicy

● Protest against NYC

● Back to Rise, the Heart Foundation

● The Mary Jane Consulting Group

● The cannabis community

● Toke Chiba LLC

● Western New York Norml

● Willow Kitson

● Colored women into cannabis

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.