NY Cannabis Insider’s Post

🌿 After a very challenging couple of years in the cannabis industry, we can now reasonably anticipate exciting times ahead. The federal move to reclassify cannabis marks a historic shift, with implications for both businesses and policymakers. By recognizing its medical benefits and easing regulatory burdens, this reclassification will unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. 👉 Even given ongoing concerns about public health impacts and regulatory complexities, bipartisan support for cannabis reform is growing ever-stronger. Legislative proposals like the SAFER Banking Act and the HOPE Act demonstrate a commitment to addressing these challenges and advancing sensible cannabis policies. 💡 As a nascent industry navigates this evolving landscape, it's essential for businesses to stay informed and adapt their strategies accordingly. With potential changes to tax regulations under Schedule 3 and newfound opportunities for tax deductions, there's a lot to consider. From sales, operation, payroll, accounting, marketing, and hiring solutions, every aspect of a business will be impacted. 🚀  The engin™ platform is helping to position leading companies to embrace this moment of transformation. By standing out as employers of choice, attracting high-performing individuals across Indeed + Glassdoor, as well as Careers in Cannabis (the industry’s largest cannabis marketplace) and dozens of other major job boards, we are working together to build a thriving, equitable, and responsible cannabis industry for the future. #CannabisPolicy #CannabisIndustry #CannabisBusiness #IndustryInsights #BusinessStrategy

There have been changes announced this week to the Executive Directors of both the New York and New Jersey cannabis programs this week - and the reasons and context surrounding those changes couldn’t be more drastically different. Both markets have their unique problems and opportunities, and both are at cross roads following these leadership changes. Both agencies are focused on the next phases of the market, and I believe both states have reasons for optimism. The New York and New Jersey markets have, for years, been perhaps unfairly described as competing with one another. Maybe the worst example of that was barbs by each agencies’ social media handles when New York opened its first store on December 29, 2023, at a time when New Jersey had opened several dozen. In this moment, notwithstanding delays in both states, they have relatively evened in the number of licensed facilities opened. One could argue that New Jersey has implemented more thoughtful regulations and statutory amendments to incentivize investment into fledgling operators; whereas New York, at times, has crafted an overly complicated, rigid, and restrictive framework assessing who is a true party of interest, implementing complex analyses of who is perceived to have what undue influence, based on what number of otherwise ordinary commercial terms. Both states, however, are still in their early phases of adult-use, and do well to remember that regulations should only be as onerous as necessary to protect both businesses and consumers. For everything else, the calculus has to be focused on what needs to be done to get more investment into facilities working their hardest on opening, or, once opened, those facilities fighting their hardest to remain open in trying times. https://lnkd.in/eaE_ZHMm

📈 Exploring the Causes of High Employment Claims in Cannabis Firms The cannabis industry is booming, but with rapid growth comes unique challenges—especially in the realm of employment claims. Understanding the root causes of these claims is crucial for cannabis firms striving to create a stable and compliant workplace. In our latest article, we dive into the factors driving high employment claims in cannabis businesses. From regulatory complexities to workplace safety issues, we cover key insights and strategies to help firms mitigate risks and foster a positive work environment. Stay informed and proactive: Read the full article #CannabisIndustry #EmploymentClaims #WorkplaceSafety #Compliance #CannabisBusiness #RiskManagement #cannabis https://lnkd.in/gsyhBtKW

Many employers are unaware of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's (NJ CRC) interim guidance and the rights they convey upon employees and the obligation they impose upon employers. Cassandra Consultants' mantra "Awareness, Education, Action": 1. Awareness: "This is a thing?" 2. Education: "What is this thing?" 3. Action: "What do I do about this thing?" Cassandra Consultants' ("WIRE™") is the first mover in this space offering incomparable, state-of-the-art education, training, and certification to address all needs for maintaining safety in the workplace with a zero tolerance policy. #WIRE #WorkplaceImpairment #Cannabis #PresenceNotImpairment #SafetyInTheWorkplace #KnowYourRights #CassandraConsultants #CCWIRETraining https://lnkd.in/dcJZj9tG

Can you enjoy legalized cannabis without risking your job? In this week's blog post, Springlaw lawyer Filip Szadurski explores the complicated relationship between recreational cannabis use and employment. Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, many employees wonder if they can freely indulge outside of work, while employers worry about workplace safety and productivity. So, what are the real implications of cannabis use in the workplace, and do recreational users have any legal protections? Let's break down what you need to know. #RecreationalCannabisUse, #EmploymentLaw, #WorkplacePolicies, #CannabisLegislation, #OccupationalHealthAndSafety, #MedicalCannabis, #ZeroTolerancePolicies, #CannabisTesting, #WorkplaceSafety https://lnkd.in/gpYJiYQY

Exciting developments in the cannabis industry as Denver-based Schwazze settles a wage-theft claim with budtenders in New Mexico • The $525,000 settlement highlights the importance of fair compensation and labor practices in the rapidly growing sector • With a similar case pending in Colorado, it's clear that labor issues will continue to be a focus for cannabis businesses across the country 🌿 Looking ahead, it's predicted that more cannabis companies will face similar legal challenges as the industry matures and expands nationwide • Compliance with labor laws and fair treatment of employees will be paramount for establishing a positive reputation and maintaining sustainable growth in the competitive market • Adapting to evolving regulations and prioritizing ethical business practices will be key for cannabis companies to ensure long-term success 💼 As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it's crucial for businesses to proactively address labor issues and prioritize fair treatment of workers • Transparency and accountability will be essential in navigating legal challenges and building a strong foundation for sustainable growth 🌱 • Schwazze's settlement serves as a reminder for all cannabis businesses to prioritize ethical labor practices to thrive in an increasingly regulated environment 🌿

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

“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

Many employers are unaware of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's (NJ CRC) interim guidance and the rights they convey upon employees and the obligation they impose upon employers. Cassandra Consultants' mantra "Awareness, Education, Action": 1. Awareness: "This is a thing?" 2. Education: "What is this thing?" 3. Action: "What do I do about this thing?" Cassandra Consultants' ("WIRE") is the first mover in this space offering incomparable, state-of-the-art education, training, and certification to address all needs for maintaining safety in the workplace with a zero tolerance policy. #WIRE #WorkplaceImpairment #Cannabis #PresenceNotImpairment #SafetyInTheWorkplace #KnowYourRights #CassandraConsultants #CCWIRETraining https://lnkd.in/d4MiJp9n

The times may be a-changin’ per the DEA’s recent rescheduling announcement, but for now anyway, money’s still tight in the US cannabis industry. Many operators have been forced to reduce compliance staff, which, for some, has made it difficult to maintain compliant operations, jeopardizing not only profitability and brand culture, but in some cases, valuable cannabis licenses. Our goal at ProCanna USA is now, and has always been, to help operators bridge to operational success. To that end, we teamed up with Amber D. Lengacher, founder of Purple Circle, and other experienced cannabis attorneys and consultants to offer affordable, fractional chief compliance officer (CCO) services, especially important for operators who need to write customized SOPs and establish an efficient, cost-effective regulatory and operational compliance program but cannot currently afford to hire full-time compliance staff to handle the work.  ProCanna’s fractional CCO services include - ✔️Customized standard operating procedures (SOPs) ✔️Initial and ongoing license compliance ✔️Initial and ongoing operational compliance ✔️Policy and government affairs support And are designed to help cannabis businesses comply with state and local regulations, as well as industry best practices. Want to learn more? Keep reading here ➡️https://lnkd.in/dSiY8pQR Or send me a DM to schedule an introductory call! #fractional #cannabis #compliance #operations