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About the Office of Cannabis Management

NYS Office of Cannabis Management Overview

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) was established upon passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021 to implement a regulatory framework for medical and adult-use cannabis and hemp in the state of New York. This includes, but is not limited to production, licensing, packaging, marketing and the sale of cannabis.


The MRTA sets out one of the nation's most comprehensive and progressive legal frameworks for the regulation of the adult-use, medical and hemp industries, with a focus on ensuring the greatest possible participation by communities historically impacted by prohibition. The law calls for a five-member board to oversee the creation and implementation of the OCM and the appointment of a Chief Equity Officer charged with developing a social equity plan designed to facilitate and support participation by social equity applicants. The MRTA also limits the number of licenses that can be owned by one company and prohibits the vertical integration of production and retail services, further ensuring that small businesses have an opportunity to compete in the new market.

Executive Director
Christopher Alexander

Chris Alexander is the Executive Director of the NYS Office of Cannabis Management. He was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul in September 2021. In his role, he is charged with engaging with legislative leaders and supporting policy makers as they look to expand access to cannabis in their state.
Christopher Alexander

Spotlight Feature Programs

CAURD licensees are the first retail dispensaries to open for legal adult-use cannabis sales in New York State.
Leadership at OCM
Learn more about the Executive Leadership at OCM, Cannabis Control Board Members and Cannabis Advisory Board Members
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