Politics As Usual!

BY FREDERICKA EASLEY

Alittle over two months ago, recreational cannabis was legalized in New York. Since then, we’ve had parades and sessions, toking in celebration of what we hope will be a new day full of opportunities to partake in peace and to build generational wealth. We’ve heard that the time is now to get business affairs in order— to be ready when the market opens up. The question is, when will that be?

Although getting a bill passed took years to accomplish, the reality is that was just the beginning. The intent of that bill now has to be fleshed out through the rules and regulatory process. It will be done by individuals appointed to the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) and State Cannabis Advisory Board. The goal was to have the five members of the CCB appointed by the end of the NY legislative session. However, the session is over and here we are without progress.

Three names were floated as considerations of Governor Cuomo for top positions in the Office of Cannabis Management and/or the Cannabis Control Board. Norm Birenbaum and Karim Camara were not clear favorites of members of the legislature or the community and lastly Axel Bernabe, who graciously declined.

Since the close of the session the Governor’s office has been pretty quiet about who will be steering this ship. But the streets are talking.

"New York needs leaders who are willing to listen and learn"

New Yorkers have waited a long time for this. We want to know who will be responsible for honoring the intent of the bill. We want to see the harm repaired for the people and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. We are anxious to take advantage of the equitable pathways for entrepreneurship that were promised to us. I believe we must be as concerned about quickly moving forward as we are with getting it right.

This is a tough position to be in. Once again as politicians are politicking the people are bearing the weight. Recreational cannabis is legal but where can people legally purchase it? When will people be able to get into the legal adult-use market? The reality is while we are waiting, big business and medical operators continue to plot, grow and develop their businesses. This disproportionately gives them a huge advantage over social equity applicants. We need and deserve a board with members who will take things like this into consideration.

New York needs leaders who are willing to listen and learn. Our road to equity has been paved with good intentions but accountability and transparency will most certainly be necessary to ensure they are seen through. GET READY and STAY READY people! We gotta be in it for the long haul!