By: Jared Evan

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has finally taken decisive action in response to the tumultuous rollout of the state’s cannabis industry, acknowledging its significant shortcomings under the oversight of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), NY Post reported.

This move follows escalating criticism and internal strife, including allegations of regulatory misconduct that have intensified the urgency for reform.

Governor Hochul’s appointment of Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy to conduct a comprehensive 30-day review of the OCM represents a critical step toward addressing the systemic issues plaguing the industry. The primary objective of this review is to streamline the cumbersome licensing process and tackle the rampant proliferation of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries—a challenge further underscored by the recent suspension of Damian Fagon, the agency’s social-equity director, amidst allegations of retaliation against a cannabis supplier.

The “woke” equity rules required that  felons and people of color  receive the licenses over every other applicant , slowing down the process down to a crawl , resulting in the thousands of illegal spots. The “social equity” director unsurprisingly is being accused of wrongdoing.

DEI jobs are often doled out to unqualified individuals , to make wealthy, white leftists feel good about their virtue signaling gesture. DEI and equity departments are now slowly being dismantled in the corporate and government world,  after the realization that the DEI  department does not actually do anything nor serve any function.

Shareholders and lawmakers alike have expressed growing frustration over the delayed response to the industry’s problems. Queens Councilman Robert Holden condemned the current state of affairs as a “major blunder,” highlighting the proliferation of unlicensed pot shops in his district as a pressing issue demanding immediate attention.

Osbert Orduna, CEO of The Cannabis Place, echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgent need for decisive action from state authorities to address the unchecked growth of unlicensed cannabis establishments. State Senator George Borrello also criticized New York’s legalized marijuana program, labeling it an “abject failure” due to flawed policies and inadequate enforcement measures.

Borrello pointed to the preferential treatment given to individuals with prior cannabis-related convictions for licensing as a contributing factor to the proliferation of the illicit market. He emphasized the need for legislative action to rectify these shortcomings and restore public trust in the regulatory process.

Governor Hochul has pledged to overhaul the state’s cannabis industry to ensure its long-term viability, expressing confidence in Commissioner Moy’s ability to identify areas for improvement and implement effective reforms. However, the recent suspension of Damian Fagon, a key figure within the OCM, raises serious concerns about regulatory integrity, prompting calls for a transparent investigation into allegations of misconduct.

The challenges facing New York’s cannabis program extend beyond regulatory issues to include the pervasive black market and the slow rollout of licensed operations. Despite proposed bailouts for struggling farmers and suppliers, frustrations persist among applicants awaiting licensure, with many expressing concerns about the viability of their investments.

Osbert Orduna stressed the urgent need to crack down on the black market, urging legislative action to comprehensively address the industry’s pressing challenges. As Governor Hochul pushes for reforms, stakeholders await decisive measures to stabilize the market and restore public confidence in New York’s cannabis industry.

In light of ongoing regulatory turmoil and mounting scrutiny, the fate of New York’s cannabis industry hangs in the balance. Effective reforms are urgently needed to address the root causes of the crisis.