Michael McQueeny’s Post

Virginia Democrats are planning to reintroduce a bill in 2025 to establish a regulated retail cannabis market, despite expected opposition from Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, who vetoed similar legislation in 2024. The bill, championed by Del. Paul Krizek and Sen. Aaron Rouse, seeks to address public safety concerns and create a legal marketplace for cannabis, which has been legal for adult possession and use in Virginia since 2021 but lacks retail regulations. Gov. Youngkin has cited concerns about the potential impact of cannabis commercialization on children as a primary reason for opposing such measures. However, recent studies, including the annual Monitoring the Future Survey, have shown declining cannabis use among teenagers, even as more states adopt adult-use reforms. Democrats argue that moving forward with the legislation is essential for the commonwealth, emphasizing the importance of public safety and regulating the current unregulated market. With Democrats maintaining control of the state legislature, the push reflects ongoing efforts to advance cannabis policy reforms in Virginia despite political challenges. https://lnkd.in/gJqGRbVf

Classic example of the debate on where to #locate new dispensaries. They should be able to set up shop in highly #visible retail locations like #pharmacies are —not relegated to #industrial zones near strip clubs. Cannabis is a medicine & should be #available #everywhere. This example reveals the broader #disagreement over the potential for Cannabis to empower communities—or damage them #Cannabis

🌿 Navigating New York's Cannabis Roller Coaster: A Tale of Resilience and Opportunity 🎢 The past few days have been a whirlwind for New York's adult-use marijuana industry, with twists and turns that have left operators and applicants alike feeling dizzy. A state Supreme Court judge initially struck down regulations for the market, only to issue a revised, narrower ruling the following day. Last year, Leafly Holdings challenged New York's ban on third-party advertising for cannabis retailers, leading to a scathing initial ruling from Albany Supreme Court Judge Kevin Bryant. However, a subsequent decision provided some relief by declaring the ban on third-party advertising "null and void." While this news brings some clarity, it also underscores the uncertainty surrounding New York's regulatory framework. The industry's confidence in state regulators has been shaken, and licensed operators and applicants are left grappling with the implications. The fluid situation has prompted reactions ranging from confusion to anxiety among stakeholders. Fatima Afia, a cannabis lawyer at Rudick Law Group, aptly describes the situation as causing "whiplash" within the industry. Despite the amended ruling, the vulnerability of New York's adult-use market persists, posing challenges for business planning and operations. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is optimism and resilience. Now more than ever, it's crucial to partner with a trusted ally like Cannabis10X. With our expertise and support, navigating the complexities of the cannabis industry becomes more manageable. We're here to help you seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Let's embrace the journey ahead, recognizing that every twist and turn presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. Together with Cannabis10X, we can shape the future of cannabis in New York and beyond. #newyork #NY #cannabis #cannabisindustry

“We promised to build the strongest, most equitable legal cannabis market in the nation, and we’re announcing long-needed steps to make New York’s cannabis program work as promised,” Governor Hochul Recommendations released today to help her achieve this objective include : 🍃 Launching an enforcement task force to close illegal cannabis retail stores. 🍃 Fixing the internal licensing process and clearing the backlog for retail establishments who were required to apply with site control. 🍃 Committing to putting in place an SLA (service-level agreement) to allow for completion of retail license applications within 90 days for future application windows. 🍃 Creating new communications tools, including regulatory bulletins and public dashboards to improve customer service. 🍃 Launching OCM cannabis map to improve the transparency surrounding licensed retail locations in summer 2024. 🍃 Adding staff to licensing, compliance and enforcement teams. 🍃 Strengthening agency foundations and management including hiring senior positions for customer service, internal controls and audit and operations. 🍃 Creating a 5-year strategic plan for the Office. The Team at Tenax Strategies is ready to help you Get Licensed. Get Open. in this emerging market - get in touch with us today to learn more! https://lnkd.in/ezCUtKs7 #NewYork #Cannabis #CannabisIndustry #CAURD

In response to widespread criticism regarding sluggish progress and licensing hurdles, Governor Hochul is spearheading a series of bold initiatives aimed at revitalizing the legal cannabis market and fostering a climate of fairness, transparency, and opportunity. Governor Hochul’s reform agenda encompasses a multifaceted approach to address the various challenges facing the cannabis sector. 1. Task Force for Enforcement 2. Streamlined Licensing Process 3. Enhanced Communication and Transparency 4. Organizational Expansion and Structural Strengthening 5. Support for Justice-Involved Licensees For cannabis business owners in New York, Governor Hochul’s reform initiatives offer a ray of hope amidst the challenges of navigating a complex regulatory landscape. By streamlining the licensing process, enhancing transparency, and providing support for justice-involved licensees, these measures aim to create a more conducive environment for business growth and success. Read full article - https://lnkd.in/geWgJgGM

Complaint to BC Ombudsperson In response to ongoing concerns from members, BCCFC has contacted BC’s Ombudsperson and asked his office to investigate the provincial government’s management of BC’s cannabis distribution and retail policies since legalization was introduced in 2018. The Ombudsperson is an officer of the BC Legislature that acts as an independent voice for fairness and accountability. The Ombudsperson ensures public sector organizations treat people fairly and follow the rules. They listen to and investigate complaints about provincial public sector organizations to improve BC public services. The Ombudsperson’s services are free and confidential. Unfortunately, the governance structure BC enacted in 2018 has created unfair circumstances where the provincial government is cannabis regulator, sole purchaser and retail competitor. BCCFC has made this submission on behalf of members and supporters as some fear repercussions if they make complaints to the administration that controls their economic future. Sadly, six years into cannabis legalization, many of BC’s world-leading craft farmers, processors and retailers are struggling to survive. Others have been left with no option but to cease operations over past year. To ensure BC is not abusing its privileged position as cannabis regulator, sole purchaser and retail competitor, effective oversight is required to reverse consequences that may have been unforeseen when legislation was drafted six years ago. If the Ombudsperson agrees to our request, we will let you know and invite members to participate. We will provide more information about the complaint at next month’s AGM.

The Battle for Space: Gracious Greens LLC vs. New York State Cannabis Control Board Gracious Greens LLC, a service-disabled veteran and minority-owned business, has filed a significant lawsuit against the New York State Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Cannabis Management in the Supreme Court of New York, Albany County. This case targets the state's cannabis proximity regulations that mandate how close dispensaries can operate relative to one another. For those of us navigating these waters, the details are crucial: municipalities with populations over 20,000 are faced with a 1,000-foot spacing requirement between dispensaries, while smaller municipalities have a 2,000-foot rule. Gracious Greens argue that these regulations were neither clearly defined nor adequately communicated, which has led to unforeseen hurdles even after obtaining local land use approvals. The lawsuit points to several key issues: Vagueness and Accessibility: The clarity and publicization of the proximity regulations are at the forefront of the contention, challenging the transparency of legal guidelines. Constitutional and Home Rule Concerns: The company is questioning the constitutionality of these rules, suggesting they overstep Home Rule laws. Irreparable Harm: The ambiguity of these regulations is highlighted as a significant disruption to business operations and planning. This case isn't just about one company's challenges but reflects broader concerns across our community regarding the fairness and transparency of regulatory practices. It's a critical moment that calls into question the equitable application of rules to newcomers in the market. The lawsuit seeks not just to challenge but potentially reshape the enforcement of proximity regulations, affecting how we all move forward. As we watch this unfold, the implications are substantial, potentially setting new precedents for regulatory engagement and the balance of enterprise freedom under state oversight. This case could very well influence future operational and regulatory strategies for all of us in New York's cannabis industry.

Is anyone surprised by this editorial from the Boston Globe about the Cannabis Control Commission ? The Globe has critiqued the agency before, but the language here is especially stark: "Clearly, it’s time to clean house — for the sake of cannabis consumers and business owners, and the general public that expects at least a baseline of competence in public officials." "The most high-profile brouhaha is Goldberg’s suspension of Cannabis Control Commission chair Shannon O'Brien last September over still-murky allegations. ... This personnel clash should never have dragged on for nine months, and Goldberg needs to quickly conclude it so the commission can move forward." "...the agency still hasn’t stood up “social consumption” sites like marijuana cafes. It dragged its feet implementing rule changes in the delivery industry. It is still working to ensure that people disproportionately affected by prior drug law enforcement can enter the industry, even as existing retailers struggle with plummeting prices. Industry attorneys say agency staff take a long time to answer questions, clarify regulations, and issue licenses." --> And FURTHERMORE, is anyone surprised at this statement about Ava Callender Concepcion, Esq.: "Ava Callender Concepcion disputed Shapiro’s conclusions, calling the receivership proposal 'ill-advised,' and questioning whether he had authority to recommend governance changes." Sure, everything's going fine, nothing to see here! https://lnkd.in/ebUBHHDj

🌱 ICYMI: The #NYCCB is tasked with regulating all things #NYcannabis. Here are the updates from today's public meeting: → The #NYCCB has approved 123 adult-use licenses. Additionally, the Office is currently processing 15 provisional retail dispensary licenses for issuance.    The Office is actively reviewing and issuing additional adult-use licenses on a rolling basis. If you've been contacted by the Office, please respond to any deficiency letter with the requested info to keep your application processing. All updates must be made within 30-days of the notice.  → The #NYCCB has denied 42 CAURD applications from the September 2022 window. Applicants recommended for denial failed to meet program requirements, commonly lacking proof of justice involvement or qualifying business.  → The #NYCCB granted the Office authority to deny licenses for AU cannabis applicants who already have a license. This measure aims to ensure fair market practices and boost ownership opportunities in #NYcannabis. The Office is aware of 44 applications that fit this criterion. → #NYCCB denied three AU cannabis applications due to applicants having a history of selling or giving away cannabis illegally after 3/31/21. These applications were found to involve unlicensed sales through storefronts, vehicles, or membership clubs posing as licensed businesses. → The #NYCCB has approved sending responses to 10 municipalities with negative opinions on licensed cannabis applicants. The Board will explain how local opinions on retail cannabis licenses are considered, with OCM handling positives and the Board addressing negatives. → The #NYCCB has approved changes in location and/or tier for 14 licensees, as recommended by the Office. Following the amendment survey launched on 8/27, the Office will review and process requests on a rolling basis. → The #NYCCB has approved the proposed regulations for Public Convenience and Advantage (PCA), which will now enter a 60-day public comment period. These revisions, based on feedback from the 8/6 Board Meeting, clarify PCA waiver requests and evaluation criteria. → Emergency cannabis enforcement regulations have been approved by the #NYCCB, revising Part 133 from 5/11/24. These changes extend the Office's authority to issue stop work orders and sealing orders for imminent threats. The new regulations also improve procedures for hearings, evidence submission, license revocation, and authorize the seizure of cannabis-related materials and equipment. → The #NYCCB approved waiving amendment fees for requests submitted to the Office until 4/1/25 to support licensees with initial amendments. This follows the amendment survey launched on 8/27. While regulations allow for a fee, the exact amount will be set by the #NYCCB. 

🚀 Highlights from the August 6, 2024, NYS Cannabis Control Board Meeting Here are the top takeaways from the latest meeting of the NYS Cannabis Control Board: 1. Retail Applicants Approved: -86 New Adult-Use Licenses: Including 22 retail dispensaries, 16 microbusinesses, 19 cultivators, 11 distributors, and 18 processors. -See the attached chart to review progress in the November Queue. 2. Changes to Allowances for Public Convenience: -The Board proposed new regulations for waiving the distance requirements between dispensaries in the name of public convenience. -The following will be considered: 1. The number, classes, and character of other licenses in proximity 2. If all necessary licenses and permits have been obtained  3. Whether there is a demonstrated need for such a license 4. The effect on pedestrian or vehicular traffic and parking 5. Noise levels 6. A history of cannabis violations and reported criminal activity  7. Any other factors specified by law or regulation 3. Clarification on Deficiency Responses: -It was mentioned that deficiencies must be responded to within 30 days, when previously it was emphasized that they needed to be resolved in that time. This distinction gives applicants more peace of mind when dealing with difficulties related to OCM technology. 4. Agenda Adjustments: -Aligned with decisions made in their previous meeting, the Board removed denials from the agenda at the last minute, focusing instead on moving forward with the application process and support for successful candidates. Licensing Update: -The state now boasts 156 licensed dispensaries with June retail sales reaching $71 million. Total sales since the program's launch are approaching half a billion dollars. -Nearly all conditional cultivators and processors have applied for full licenses, and the majority have been approved, with the expectation of closing out these applications in the next 2 meetings to focus on December supply side licenses. As the New York cannabis market continues to grow, these updates reflect our ongoing journey towards a regulated, equitable, and dynamic industry. Stay tuned for more developments! #CannabisIndustry #NYSCCB #CannabisRegulations #SocialEquity #CannabisLicensing #NewYorkCannabis