Another rapidly growing sector in the Orange County economy is the cannabis industry, particularly after The Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law in March 2021. An upcoming webinar series will put a spotlight on this emerging industry that has already produced significant economic benefits for Orange County.
New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management is holding a series of virtual community outreach events—"Cannabis Conversations”—across the state that began on Jan. 27.
These 11 virtual meetings will be hosted by Cannabis Control Board Chair, Tremaine Wright. The first meeting was with Western New York and the remaining regions will follow through the middle of February. An additional statewide event will be held in Spanish on Feb. 21.
The virtual meeting with the Mid-Hudson region is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16 beginning at 6 p.m.
These Cannabis Conversations are the first outreach to communities across New York State conducted by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). New Yorkers will hear directly from Chair Wright and OCM leadership about the ins-and-outs of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) and how it serves as a foundation for the new cannabis industry with a 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,” Chair 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.”
“We are working hard every day 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.”
New Yorkers interested in attending an event should register and submit questions beforehand through the registration portal. Each event will run between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and those who register will receive a link for the event before 12 p.m. on the day of their registered event.
Link to Register: Office of Cannabis Management Cannabis Conversations Registration
REMAINING REGIONAL CANNABIS CONVERSATION DATES
Central New York – Monday, February, 7
Mohawk Valley – Wednesday, February, 9
North Country – Thursday, February, 10
Capital Region – Tuesday, February, 15
Mid-Hudson – Wednesday, February, 16
Long Island – Thursday, February, 17
Spanish Speaking (statewide) – Monday, February, 21
The Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law on March 31, 2021 legalizing adult-use cannabis (also known as marijuana, or recreational marijuana) in New York State. The legislation created a new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) governed by a Cannabis Control Board to comprehensively regulate adult-use, medical, and hemp cannabis. The OCM will issue licenses and develop regulations outlining how and when business can participate in the new industry.
