New York is making changes to its proposed legislation and regulations at a fast and furious pace. Earlier this month, the New York Department of Health opened the application process for cannabinoid hemp retailers and cannabinoid hemp processors, building on the groundwork for the country’s most-regulated hemp program. Then on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Governor Cuomo announced a slew of 30-day amendments to his adult-use legislation in a move indicating he is listening and willing to work with the state Legislature, which has been pushing for defined social justice initiatives. Cuomo’s proposed adult-use legislation – the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (CRTA) – was met with skepticism among fellow Democrats who felt that the bill did not go far enough on social justice issues. In response to the criticism, Cuomo unveiled new amendments to the legislation. According to a press release from Cuomo’s office, the new amendments “detail how the $100 million in social equity funding will be allocated, enable the use of delivery services, and refine which criminal charges will be enforced as its relates to the improper sale of cannabis to further reduce the impact on communities hit hardest by the war on drugs.”
Neil Willner, Cannabis Business Executive – Cannabis and Marijuana industry news, 02/17/2021 22:51:00