Overview

• Governor Hochul orders a comprehensive review of the state's cannabis management, leading to the resignation of the Office of Cannabis Management's director.
• The review highlights issues like frequent changes in licensing rules and a lack of enforcement, contributing to the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis shops.
• New policies aim to increase transparency, streamline applications, and enhance customer service to address the backlog of unlicensed businesses.
• Despite legalization, only 122 legal dispensaries have opened, with thousands of illegal shops operating, particularly in New York City.
• State plans to issue thousands of new licenses following a decision not to cap application reviews, potentially expanding legal cannabis availability.