Top New York Cannabis Regulator Resigns

New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid resigned on Monday at the request of Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), the Capitol Press Room reports.

Reid’s resignation, effective immediately, follows the eve-of-trial withdrawal of an OCM investigation into Long Island-based cannabis licensee Omnium Health. Officials had claimed the company was illegally renting its license and licensed space to unaffiliated entities and was effectively distributing unlicensed cannabis products.

OCM Deputy Counsel James Rogers, who had led the investigation into Omnium, was also fired, the New York Times reports.

“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.” — Gov. Hochul, in a statement

Meanwhile, OCM Chief Administrative Officer Susan Filburn will move into the role of OCM Acting Executive Director.

“New York’s cannabis market holds enormous potential,” Gov. Hochul said in the report. “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.”

Hochul last year publicly criticized the industry’s launch as a “disaster,” pointing to slow licensing and the proliferation of unregulated sales, and ordered a comprenehsive audit of the OCM.

Reid has led the agency since its inaugural Executive Director Chris Alexander resigned last May following the governor’s criticisms.