Legal marijuana must bring true equity

On March 30, 2021, tears glistened in my eyes as I announced the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act in the state Assembly. It had been eight long years since sen. Liz Krueger, my ally and co-sponsor, introduced the landmark bill in the state Senate, a blink of an eye compared to the decades of suffering and overcriminalization inflicted on communities of color by prohibition. Our herculean work was supported by a decade of effort and advocacy from courageous legislators and advocates.

Passing legislation was just the beginning. Now, the hard work commences for the appointees to the Office of Cannabis Management. OCM Chair Tremaine Wright, Executive Director Chris Alexander and Board Members Adam Perry, Jen Metzger, Reuben R. McDaniel III and Jessica Garcia have all distinguished themselves with demonstrated commitments to legalization anchored in justice, equity and sustainability. Carefully selected, these appointees are already honoring our intentions with fair, inclusive and just regulations. They’ve already begun laying the foundation for the industry’s governance with swift decisions around home grow, expanded access to the state’s medical program and detailed guidelines for hemp processing, manufacturing, laboratory testing and packaging.

Now, the successful introduction and implementation of adult-use regulations rest in their capable hands.

Under their leadership, I trust the office will create an equitable regulatory framework that governs the entire cannabis industry. They will craft our administrative procedures and policies to be fair, just and pragmatic given the ambitious social equity and revenue-generating goals. Legacy operators must be responsibly integrated into the industry with paths to prosperity and sustainability. This is an opportunity to offer training and support while incorporating their experience and knowledge into our legal framework. As we have learned from other states, criminalizing and attacking their ranks will only prolong the market’s existence and perpetuate the harms of prohibition.

Building out a new industry on a foundation of justice and opportunity will take courage and determination. After decades of inflicting wrongs on vulnerable New Yorkers, it’s essential that we get this right. The Legislature will continue supporting the Office of Cannabis Management as it charts the course of our nascent cannabis market.

We can’t undo all of the damage and trauma of the past, but together we can create an inclusive industry with the potential to restore communities and provide individuals with opportunities for a brighter future. After decades of harm, it’s time to center healing in our emerging industry.