Overhaul of the NYS Office of Cannabis Management

Governor Hochul has directed an operational overhaul of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). This follows a 30-day assessment by the Office of General Services, which noted significant structural issues within OCM. The Governor announced several actions to begin this overhaul, including an enforcement task force to close illegal cannabis retail stores, fixing the internal licensing process and clearing the backlog, creating new communication tools, and creating a 5-year strategic plan for OCM. NYS will also be establishing a new $5M grant program for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD) licensees who have found their own retail locations. The current Executive Director, Chris Alexander, will also be leaving his post when his term ends in September 2024.

Myrie Announces 2025 Mayoral Run

Zellnor Myrie announced that he will be challenging Mayor Eric Adams in next year’s mayoral primary. Myrie currently represents the Brooklyn areas of Crown Heights and Park Slope in the State Senate in the same seat Adams once held. He criticized the Mayor’s cuts to libraries, parks, and schools, and a “failure of competence” by his Administration. Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer is also running in the primary, which will be held next June.

Council Budget Hearings Begin

The New York City Council has begun hearings on the Mayor’s FY25 Executive Budget, which was released in April 2024. The Council will continue holding budget hearings through the end of May. You can find the full schedule here. The budget must be adopted by June 30.