Regulators are being investigated for inadequate expertise and mismanagement of funds

May 8, 2024
Governor Kathy Hochul
State of New York
New York State Capitol Bldg.
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Hochul:
In March, Director of State Operaons Kathryn Garcia asked me to assemble a team of government leaders to conduct a 30-day organizational review of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), focusing on streamlining licensing processes and reducing the time to open new cannabis retailers.

During the assessment, the task force conducted over 50 meetings and interviews with OCM staff and industry stakeholders; reviewed secondary resources including the MRTA, CCB regulations, OCM’s website, public guidance, and FAQs; and attended CCB meetings to understand OCM’s organizational structure and licensing processes. It is clear from speaking to operational staff that they are dedicated, mission-driven, and working very hard. In order to alleviate pressures on staff, the task force took immediate action to recruit for vacant license processing positions to increase the size of the licensing team by 40%, and to explore technology like softphones to improve the hybrid work experience.

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