The Marijuana Herald – Marijuana news and information
Governor Kathy Hochul has removed Felicia Reid from her post as acting executive director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
The move is seen as a sudden shakeup prompted by the agency’s handling of enforcement efforts against unlicensed marijuana operators. Reid, who has led the office since June 2024, was asked to resign following the agency’s approach to its compliance action involving Omnium, a case that included a product recall the state now intends to withdraw.
Hochul confirmed the decision in a statement to The Capitol Pressroom outlining her concern that the agency has stalled the state’s legal market rather than supported it.
“New York’s cannabis market holds enormous potential. It creates jobs, generates revenue and builds prosperity in communities that were left out of the economic mainstream for decades. Realizing that potential requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of the regulatory framework, and a steadfast commitment to the people of this state,” said Hochul. She added that “too often, the Office of Cannabis Management has stood in the way of the market realizing its potential, including most recently in the case of a pending compliance action that it has had to withdraw. As a result, I directed my office to take action, including requesting the resignation of the Acting Executive Director. That resignation has been accepted and is effective immediately.”…