The New York State Office of Cannabis Management tweeted up a storm this morning to announce the first round of cannabis processor licenses, laboratory and sampling regulations, and new appointments in the office.
“Good Morning New York, we’ve got some exciting updates for you today!”, the series of tweets began. The office then announced the approval of an additional nineteen adult-use cultivation licenses, bringing the total number of farms licensed to grow recreational weed to 242.
Next, they announced that the first fifteen adult-use conditional processor licenses have been approved. Existing hemp processors can now create edibles, vape cartridges, and oils from cannabis.
The OCM also tweeted that the CCB has approved short-term regulations for cannabis labs, sampling, and testing. The emergency regulations will immediately open the application window for testing facilities, and already-operating medical cannabis testing facilities can automatically begin testing adult-use products under the new rules.
The office also announced that John Kagia of New Frontier Data has been appointed as the Director of Policy, tweeting, “as a leading voice in cannabis, Kagia has created innovative opportunities, mitigated risks, and so much more for consumers. We are thrilled to work alongside him as we build a model cannabis market in New York.”
These announcements come shortly after the office announced that they will begin to accept retail license applications on August 25th. First priority goes to those directly impacted by the War on Drugs, meaning entrepreneurs with a conviction for a cannabis-related offense before legalization or a direct relative with such conviction. Prior experience operating a qualifying business is also required for these applicants. This application period will run for a month, closing on September 26th.
