New York Cannabis Control Board: Fourth Meeting News

After several weeks between meetings, New York’s Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held its fourth meeting on December 16, 2021. As will be the case with all CCB meetings, it was broadcast live. A transcript of the meeting will be published here.

The most recent CCB meeting primarily consisted of updates on the action items that were addressed during the CCB’s third meeting. We did not receive an update on the timing of issuance of rules and regulations. However, the CCB is implementing the expansion of the Medical Cannabis Program and the Cannabinoid Hemp Program. Here is the summary:

Medical Cannabis Program Updates

• The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is now overseeing the expansion of the Medical Cannabis Program. This includes the introduction of whole flower medical products.
• Whole flower medical products are now available at most medical dispensaries.
• The OCM conditionally approved an investment by Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc, into MedMen NY, Inc., one of New York’s registered organizations (i.e. a medical cannabis operator).
• The OCM is working on systems updates to the patient registration and certification systems.

Cannabinoid Hemp Program Updates

The OCM is processing licenses for the Cannabinoid Hemp Program. These licenses include: retailers, processors, and manufacturers. The CCB included a reminder that operating a cannabinoid hemp business requires a license and that Delta-8 THC hemp sales are prohibited.

Administrative Updates

The CCB noted that the local opt out deadline (December 31, 2021) is approaching. The OCM portal for municipalities is open. This is where municipalities register their opt-out of retail dispensaries and/or on-site consumption lounges.

The CCB has continued to hire staff. It will also begin negotiating for long-term office space in New York City and Buffalo.

Finally, CCB’s mentioned that it has been meeting with key stakeholders. That is true! And some of those meetings were public. Look out for upcoming posts on information from those public meetings and future CCB meetings!