The New York State Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) convened to discuss the latest advancements in the state’s cannabis industry, with a focus on Social and Economic Equity (SEE) initiatives.
Key topics included a review of the Cannabis Compliance Training and Mentorship (CCTM) Program, the Cannabis Hub and Incubation Program (CHIP), and other ongoing efforts to support and elevate SEE licensees across New York State as well as a discussion of future incubation and technical assistance opportunities the Office is planning for SEE applicants.
“… achieving a remarkable 97.1% graduation rate.”
The meeting highlighted the success of the CCTM Program, which has trained over 240 participants, achieving a remarkable 97.1% graduation rate. Participants, 66% of whom qualify as SEE, gained essential skills in cannabis cultivation, processing, agribusiness management, and regulatory compliance. “The impressive outcomes of the CCTM Program demonstrate our commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable cannabis industry that offers real opportunities for all New Yorkers,” said Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management.
The Board also reviewed progress on the Cannabis Hub and Incubation Program (CHIP), an initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to SEE individuals throughout their journey in the cannabis industry. CHIP Academy, a component of the program, offers extensive training, including over 45 virtual webinars, to help licensees navigate compliance and operational challenges effectively. “Through CHIP, we are not only fostering industry knowledge but also creating a pathway for long-term success for underrepresented groups,” said Joe Belluck, Chairperson of the New York State Cannabis Control Board. In addition to CHIP, the CAB discussed the Retail Incubator Program, which prepares equity retail licensees for the complexities of operating a cannabis business. This program provides participants with mentorship, access to financial consultants, and detailed training on various aspects of retail operations. The Office of Cannabis Management also shared updates on the Technical Assistance Program (TAP), which offers 1:1 guidance to SEE applicants to streamline the licensure process.
Additionally, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced the launch of a dedicated webpage for the Community Reinvestment Program, which provides potential applicants with essential resources and updates for the upcoming launch of the first round of available funding. This initiative is the first time cannabis tax revenue will be used to fund initiatives in communities disproportionally harmed by prior drug laws. The first grant opportunities will aim to support 501c(3) organizations serving young people aged 0-24 in areas such as Mental Health, Housing, and Workforce Development. Interested organizations in applying are encouraged to start the prequalification process through the Statewide Financial System at sfs.ny.gov ahead of the upcoming Request for Application (RFA). For more information on these resources, visit the Community Reinvestment Program page at cannabis.ny.gov/reinvestment. The Office will be announcing the launch of the RFA in the coming weeks.
OCM also introduced the Legal Online Cannabis Activities Locator (LOCAL) application, an innovative tool developed using data from the Cannabis Licensing System (CLS). This application features an industry-focused map that allows license applicants and stakeholders to generate proximity reports and navigate multiple data layers. An additional consumer-focused map, set to be released soon, will help New Yorkers easily locate the nearest legal dispensary, ensuring access to safe, regulated cannabis products.
“… establish a fair and transparent regulatory framework …”
The meeting concluded with updates on the cannabis market, seed-to-sale implementation, regulatory developments, including public comment periods for proposed regulations on packaging, labeling, marketing, public convenience and advantage, and enforcement. These initiatives are part of the ongoing effort to establish a fair and transparent regulatory framework that promotes public health and safety while ensuring opportunities for growth within the cannabis sector.
For more information on these programs and upcoming opportunities, please visit cannabis.ny.gov.
Photo credit: Wiki
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