Office of Cannabis Control Board Meeting

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Good morning, everyone.

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Uh, my name is Jessica Garcia.

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I'm the chair of the Cannabis Control Board,

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and it is a pleasure to be with all of you here today.

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Uh, recognizing that we have the majority

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of the board members present.

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I am pleased to call this meeting to order, uh,

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and welcome all of you joining us in person as well as, uh,

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remote, um, be, I guess, let's see.

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Before we jump to the agenda, I understand that we have, um,

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our former chair with us today,

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and I, I really wanted to just start off the meeting

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by acknowledging her

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and thanking her for, um, for all her, all her work, um,

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since we, we started this, this great adventure.

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Um, did you wanna say a few words, TMA,

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Today I just wanted to begin my comments

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with the heartfelt thanks

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to everyone who's participating in this wonderful project

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of legalized cannabis in New York State.

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And more specifically, I wanna say thank you to the team

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who labors daily to serve our communities

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and stakeholders across this state.

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I also want to acknowledge every participant

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who has stood in the gap as we have made strides, mistakes,

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corrections, and revisions.

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I wanna say thank you to majority leader,

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crystal people Stokes, who was instrumental in the passage

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of the MRTA and my role as chair and to Governor Holle.

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Thank you for your continued support

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and allowing me the opportunity to serve as the first chair,

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the New York State Cannabis Control Board,

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the MRTA clearly delineates an independent

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cannabis control board responsible

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for policy decision making, and oversight functions.

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It has been my pleasure to serve as the chair of this board,

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which e with each of you board members

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and our former members.

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Thank you for your trust, encouragement, guidance,

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and support charged with oversight

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of the integrity of this program.

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Our board service has a duty of leadership

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that has steadily increased as the agency grappled

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with changing complexity in the industry.

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Data overload and management changes.

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This call of leadership places the burden

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of informed judgment squarely on the board's shoulders,

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and it must be handled correctly, so it's not draining

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to the members, nor costly to our stakeholders.

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So please continue to listen to the critical voices on the

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outside and the as well as the inside,

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because as, as Milton Friedman once warned, one

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of the great mistakes is to judge policies

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and programs by their intentions rather than their results.

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So, wishing you continued success with this

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and Godspeed as you continue this work.

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Thank you. All care.

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You not done so.

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So I want to spend, uh, a couple

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of moments just acknowledging Chair Wright

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and all of the work she's done over the past several years.

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It has not been, and having sat in this role

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for a little bit over a year, it is not an easy thing

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to oversee and develop the New York's cannabis industry.

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But you have done a tremendous job.

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Your dedication, your perspective, your insight,

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your commitment to this industry is unparallel.

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And I thank you for the work that you've done,

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the support you've given me,

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the support you've given the team,

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and the way in which you've navigated

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the complexities of this work.

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With that, I do want to present you

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with, I picked these out myself.

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You know, I'm a garden person.

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Thank you so much. Thank you for,

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I don't think I could have said it better myself,

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but I, I do thank you, uh, Tremaine for everything

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that you've, um, you've taught me, um,

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as we've worked together the last four years.

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With that, let's, um, let's just run

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through the agenda for today.

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It's a packed agenda.

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Um, after the welcome and opening remarks, we will be, uh,

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approving the minutes from the May 20th meeting, uh,

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followed by consideration of appointment

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of the Chief equity Officer, consideration of adult use,

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applications for approval, consideration of card renewals,

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consideration of adult use,

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licensee location change amendment requests, consideration

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of cannabis research license, consideration

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of certain application with non-viable locations,

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requesting the board determine whether they're granting the

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license, would promote public convenience

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and advantage, um, consideration

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of administrative appeals, consideration

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of proposed public convenience

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and advantage regulations to be made effective consideration

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of the 2024 market review report and recommendations.

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Um, a report from the Office

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of Cannabis Cannabis Management, um,

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and then, uh, concluding with, uh, public comments, um,

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before adjourning.

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Um, I will note that we have to be out of the room

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by one 30 today.

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Uh, I will do my best to get us through the business

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of this meeting, um, as quickly as possible to leave

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as much time as possible for public comments.

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In the event that we can't get to you today.

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Um, the staff has put out, uh, no, uh, QR codes

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around the room for you to, uh, be linked to the form

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where you can submit your public comments electronically

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and know that those comments will be read by the board

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and be incorporated into the minutes of the meeting today.

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So, with that, um, I just wanna start off by just saying

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that I'm, I'm really honored to be, to join you today

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for my first, um, meeting as chair.

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Uh, I wanna thank thank Governor Hoel for the opportunity

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and extend my appreciation to my fellow board members,

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the dedicated OCM staff,

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and the many stakeholders who continue

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to build New York's cannabis industry

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with care and conviction.

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Coming into this role, I carry with me a deep commitment

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to equity, worker protections, and meaningful access.

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New York's Cannabis Market is a national model in progress,

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rooted in social and economic justice,

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and I look forward to building on that foundation

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with transparency and purpose.

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Today's agenda reflects important steps in supporting the

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industry's growth, public promoting public health,

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and advancing our goals of fairness and accountability.

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From regulatory updates to enforcement efforts,

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we remain focused on a strong, inclusive,

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and well-regulated market.

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I look forward to learning from all of you

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and working together to ensure

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that this industry delivers on its promises to communities,

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to small businesses,

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and to the New Yorkers who deserve a cannabis market

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built with them in mind.

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So, with that, um, let's get started.

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Um, first order of business is to, um,

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approve the minutes from the May 20th meeting.

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Can I have a motion to, uh, approve a move? Thank you.

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Can I have a second? Second. Any, excuse me, any amendments?

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All right. Um, if not, uh, can I have a vote?

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All in favor of adopting the minutes. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

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Abstentions, I vote. Aye. Great. We approve the minutes.

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Um, next, can I have a motion to, uh, motion

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to consider resolution number 2025 dash 41 consideration

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of appointment of Chief Equity Officer?

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So moved. Can I have a second? I'll second. Great.

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Um, Felicia? Yes. Can you provide us an overview?

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Yes. Uh, two things before I begin this one.

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Um, but also good morning to everyone, the board

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and my fellow New Yorkers.

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Um, before getting this resolution,

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I wanna take a minute moment to say a couple of things.

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First, on behalf of the office

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and Governor Hoel at this, your first meeting as chair

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of the board, I wanna extend another warm welcome to you,

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Jessica, and another congratulations

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to you on your Chairship Chairship.

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Thank you. Go. Chairship. Although it's only been a few

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short three full throttle weeks,

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I can say it's been a real pleasure to work

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with you in this capacity.

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From what I've seen so far, I can tell

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that your experience on the board

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and your concern for the viability

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and integrity of New York's cannabis industry

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deeply informs the path you are blazing as chair.

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Now, although regulation of New York,

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Canada cannabis market is truly a white knuckle,

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rollercoaster ride mm-hmm.

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I am looking forward to doing this work together.

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And one thing I want to underscore to all here,

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and if you might indulge me in Chair Garcia, is in one

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of our first conversations I had, uh, mentioned to her

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that I was struck how often she used the words we

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and us when discussing the work

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between the board and the office.

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Words matter, words matter to me especially,

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and you can tell a lot by a person

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and their perspective, by how they show up

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and the words they use.

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And truly, those words mattered.

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Second, I'll speak more specifically about this later,

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but the compliance enforcement

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and trade practice bureau teams have been fiercely at work

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looking at licensee compliance issues,

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regulatory violations, and lab integrity as they continue

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to work on investigating cases in their due due diligence.

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I'm particularly looking forward to taking action

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to hold operators who violate New York's rules

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meaningfully accountable.

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Right. As a preliminary, I wanna flag a recall

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that the office issued earlier this month on June 11th,

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I believe it was, uh,

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where there were nine product lots produced

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by Ino Grove LLC,

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which contained Unallowable pesticides Early this morning,

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the office announced an expansion of that recall

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to include 28 additional product lots from Indigo, uh, in,

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uh, for reasons including getting product

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inputs from out of state.

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As you all know, inversion, uh, those products go

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by the brand names Indie Grove.

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I indie our creation and grow with us.

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For information on this expanded recall, folks should go to,

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and I'll repeat it twice,

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cannabis.ny.gov/recalls.

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Again, that's cannabis.ny.gov/recalls.

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If you as a consumer have any

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of the products in the name lots, the office urges you

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to discontinue using them.

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You can discard the product

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or you can return it to the retail dispensary

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where you bought it, even if you've opened the product.

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Again, that's cannabis.ny.gov/recalls for more information.

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And now for this resolution, consideration

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of the appointment of the Chief Equity Officer.

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This position and the work

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that it oversees is the cornerstone

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and the heart of New York's cannabis industry, ensuring

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that social and economic equity drive the development

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of the market now and into the future.

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As New York cannabis has developed, applicants

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and licensees need not just opportunity,

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but real access to resources

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and programs that move their business forward.

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As you all know, the cannabis industry is cutthroat,

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high stakes in dynamic,

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but we have the power vested in the Chief Equity Officer

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to ensure that New York's equity goals are not sound

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and fury signifying nothing but real and realized.

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One thing I also know is

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that OCM cannot realize its outward social

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and economic equity mission without internal

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alignment and due support.

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This is why the Chief Equity Officer is also charged

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with building a team separate from the C team to ensure

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that OCM has the perspectives, practices,

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and people in place internally to align with social

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and economic equity for the industry.

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And for this critical work,

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I put forward El Simone Washington.

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Ms. Washington is a graduate of the University

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of South Alabama and holds a JD from Sanford University,

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as well as a master's from Creighton University.

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She has held positions at Wellspring Philanthropic Fund

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as its chief, D-E-I-D-E-I-B, officer at BSR as its global

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Director for Equity, inclusion

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and Justice at Lawyers for Children

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as its Director for People and Culture.

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And at Ben and Jerry slash Unilever as its global DEI, lead

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and strategist throughout her career,

259
00:11:34.265 --> 00:11:36.765
she has contributed extensively to helping promote racial

260
00:11:36.825 --> 00:11:39.365
and economic equity in business by consulting

261
00:11:39.365 --> 00:11:41.165
with nationally recognized organizations,

262
00:11:41.165 --> 00:11:43.245
including the Casey Family Programs,

263
00:11:43.305 --> 00:11:46.445
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, open Society Foundations,

264
00:11:46.445 --> 00:11:47.725
and the Kellogg Foundations.

265
00:11:48.705 --> 00:11:51.845
The process to get to this point, believe me, was extensive

266
00:11:52.185 --> 00:11:54.285
and I thank both Ms. Washington, Ms. Washington,

267
00:11:54.545 --> 00:11:57.045
and the C team who has been holding things down all this

268
00:11:57.045 --> 00:11:58.045
time for their patients.

269
00:11:58.425 --> 00:12:01.565
Ms. Washington applied among 443 applicants

270
00:12:01.565 --> 00:12:04.325
for the Chief Equity Officer role sat through two rounds

271
00:12:04.325 --> 00:12:06.125
of interviews at OCM, then another

272
00:12:06.125 --> 00:12:08.125
with the Governor's office, another with the board,

273
00:12:08.125 --> 00:12:11.005
and two more with both majority leader people, Stokes

274
00:12:11.265 --> 00:12:12.445
and Senator Krueger.

275
00:12:12.775 --> 00:12:14.485
After all of this, I finally

276
00:12:14.585 --> 00:12:15.685
and gladly submit

277
00:12:15.685 --> 00:12:17.645
to the board Ms. Washington for consideration.

278
00:12:18.425 --> 00:12:19.455
Thank you, Felicia.

279
00:12:20.035 --> 00:12:23.815
Um, any questions, uh, from the board or comments?

280
00:12:25.075 --> 00:12:27.935
Um, Oh, sorry. Here we go.

281
00:12:30.695 --> 00:12:33.435
Oh, I just wanted to express my strong support for this,

282
00:12:33.495 --> 00:12:34.555
uh, this appointment.

283
00:12:34.695 --> 00:12:38.355
Um, Ms. Washington is, has the background

284
00:12:38.355 --> 00:12:40.195
that I think we need, and, uh,

285
00:12:40.255 --> 00:12:43.435
and it's been, it's critical that we fill this role, uh,

286
00:12:43.575 --> 00:12:44.875
if the, the,

287
00:12:45.495 --> 00:12:48.595
the Chief Equity Officer is spelled out in the cannabis law.

288
00:12:49.135 --> 00:12:52.355
Um, and to me, the provisions of cannabis law

289
00:12:52.355 --> 00:12:54.315
that are outlined there are the, are the center

290
00:12:54.375 --> 00:12:57.315
of this position particularly, uh,

291
00:12:57.315 --> 00:12:59.395
providing economic development opportunities

292
00:12:59.495 --> 00:13:01.195
for c applicants, uh,

293
00:13:01.235 --> 00:13:04.155
implementing the social economic equity plan,

294
00:13:04.615 --> 00:13:08.995
and, uh, ensuring that, uh, uh, applicants are,

295
00:13:09.255 --> 00:13:10.915
can move through the process and that,

296
00:13:11.615 --> 00:13:14.875
and that we are creating the conditions in the market for,

297
00:13:15.215 --> 00:13:18.235
uh, success for, uh, business viability.

298
00:13:18.615 --> 00:13:22.715
Um, I am pleased with, uh, that we have someone

299
00:13:23.095 --> 00:13:26.395
who can fill this role and coordinate across the agency

300
00:13:26.895 --> 00:13:30.595
to make sure that the, the C program is always at the center

301
00:13:30.615 --> 00:13:31.635
of everything we are doing.

302
00:13:32.295 --> 00:13:36.035
Yes. So I'd like to also express, um, support

303
00:13:36.095 --> 00:13:38.755
for Ms. Washington, um, being in this work.

304
00:13:38.865 --> 00:13:41.515
This is not an easy space to be in right now, um,

305
00:13:41.515 --> 00:13:43.435
but it's needed more than ever.

306
00:13:44.115 --> 00:13:47.035
I too would like to stress the importance of being able

307
00:13:47.035 --> 00:13:48.595
to focus on your position

308
00:13:48.815 --> 00:13:51.835
as it's written in the legislation, uh, here

309
00:13:51.835 --> 00:13:53.475
to support in any way that I can.

310
00:13:54.055 --> 00:13:56.355
Um, but I am, I'm so happy and so excited,

311
00:13:56.655 --> 00:14:00.115
and the office is quite honestly blessed to have someone

312
00:14:00.115 --> 00:14:01.795
with your caliber joining them.

313
00:14:01.855 --> 00:14:03.395
So, so supportive.

314
00:14:05.535 --> 00:14:08.435
Any other comments? Alright.

315
00:14:08.695 --> 00:14:10.635
Um, so why don't we call it to, for a vote?

316
00:14:10.655 --> 00:14:12.395
And I couldn't agree more with my colleagues, by the way.

317
00:14:13.815 --> 00:14:16.435
Um, all in favor say aye or signify Aye. Aye.

318
00:14:16.855 --> 00:14:19.915
Any opposition? Abstentions. All right.

319
00:14:19.915 --> 00:14:22.235
We have a new Chief Equity Officer, uh,

320
00:14:32.075 --> 00:14:33.255
thanks for saying a few words.

321
00:14:38.545 --> 00:14:40.245
I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude

322
00:14:40.305 --> 00:14:43.725
to acting Director Reed, the OCM leadership

323
00:14:43.865 --> 00:14:46.005
and members of the Cannabis Control Board for your vote

324
00:14:46.005 --> 00:14:47.005
of confidence in my ability

325
00:14:47.065 --> 00:14:48.605
to step into the role of Chief Equity Officer.

326
00:14:49.255 --> 00:14:50.925
While this is a mission critical and

327
00:14:50.985 --> 00:14:53.685
and complex job with a lot of moving parts, I'm void

328
00:14:53.685 --> 00:14:55.965
by the possibilities rather than burdened by the fears

329
00:14:55.965 --> 00:14:57.405
that this opportunity brings with it.

330
00:14:58.025 --> 00:15:01.045
As the OCM aims to live, both live up to the ideals

331
00:15:01.045 --> 00:15:02.365
of an operationalized social

332
00:15:02.385 --> 00:15:04.165
and economic equity, it is the role

333
00:15:04.165 --> 00:15:06.005
of the Chief Equity Officer to weave a vision

334
00:15:06.005 --> 00:15:07.725
that is equally bold and pragmatic.

335
00:15:08.065 --> 00:15:10.525
The stitches together, the highest aspirations of the staff

336
00:15:10.625 --> 00:15:11.805
and the buy-in and partnership

337
00:15:11.805 --> 00:15:12.885
of the communities that we serve.

338
00:15:13.545 --> 00:15:15.925
In this role, I'll bring, I will bring 20 plus years

339
00:15:15.925 --> 00:15:17.005
of technical expertise

340
00:15:17.105 --> 00:15:19.525
and more importantly, community trust building experience

341
00:15:19.635 --> 00:15:20.885
that will help build bridges

342
00:15:21.105 --> 00:15:22.845
and larger the aperture of what is possible

343
00:15:22.945 --> 00:15:25.005
and create an environment in which problems can be

344
00:15:25.605 --> 00:15:29.405
re reframed as potential it if it is not yet apparent.

345
00:15:29.585 --> 00:15:30.645
My number one task is

346
00:15:30.645 --> 00:15:32.765
to build relationships across cannabis industry

347
00:15:32.765 --> 00:15:35.005
and the state to understand what the needs are

348
00:15:35.745 --> 00:15:38.325
and where we as an agency can have the most impact.

349
00:15:38.625 --> 00:15:41.045
And by impact, I mean asking the so what question?

350
00:15:41.595 --> 00:15:43.445
This little question's the first step towards driving

351
00:15:43.445 --> 00:15:46.365
accountability, and it ensures that we are being responsive,

352
00:15:46.625 --> 00:15:48.005
not reactive to our partners.

353
00:15:48.585 --> 00:15:51.125
It also holds up a mirror to us as an agency, ensuring

354
00:15:51.125 --> 00:15:52.405
that we are walking the talk.

355
00:15:53.425 --> 00:15:56.005
In addition to helping to strengthen the connective tissue

356
00:15:56.005 --> 00:15:57.045
of this emerging industry,

357
00:15:57.445 --> 00:15:59.325
I will prioritize building a shared understanding

358
00:15:59.325 --> 00:16:01.765
of equity principles, a foundation that will guide

359
00:16:01.785 --> 00:16:03.285
how we operate as an agency

360
00:16:03.285 --> 00:16:05.805
and signal to New Yorkers that we are deeply committed

361
00:16:05.805 --> 00:16:07.085
to the practice of restorative justice.

362
00:16:07.985 --> 00:16:10.565
If the work that we all do as stakeholders in this industry

363
00:16:11.595 --> 00:16:13.565
does not serve to challenge the most broken

364
00:16:13.745 --> 00:16:15.645
and exploitative aspects of capitalism

365
00:16:15.945 --> 00:16:17.845
and center, the needs of those who've been most harmed

366
00:16:17.845 --> 00:16:20.965
by it, and we've missed the mark, it's now my duty

367
00:16:21.065 --> 00:16:23.805
and privilege to ensure that we are adjusting our aim

368
00:16:24.105 --> 00:16:26.525
and our direction as necessary to hit the targets

369
00:16:26.525 --> 00:16:27.885
that we have set for this collective.

370
00:16:28.865 --> 00:16:30.485
I'm looking forward to joining the C team

371
00:16:30.545 --> 00:16:32.765
and partnering with you all to make manifest the ethos

372
00:16:32.765 --> 00:16:34.845
of equity as set out by the MRTA.

373
00:16:34.855 --> 00:16:35.855
Thank you.

374
00:16:36.845 --> 00:16:41.835
Thank you, Simon, very

375
00:16:41.835 --> 00:16:43.155
much look forward to working with you.

376
00:16:43.935 --> 00:16:47.355
Um, our next order of business to keep this moving, um, is,

377
00:16:47.735 --> 00:16:49.315
uh, if I could have a motion

378
00:16:49.375 --> 00:16:53.955
to consider resolution 2025 dash 42 consideration

379
00:16:53.955 --> 00:16:55.755
of adult use applications for approval.

380
00:16:57.085 --> 00:16:59.855
I'll move. Can I have a second? Second. Great.

381
00:17:00.235 --> 00:17:01.895
Um, chat. You wanna walk us through it?

382
00:17:02.475 --> 00:17:04.455
No problem. So,

383
00:17:04.475 --> 00:17:06.015
before, the board today is a cohort

384
00:17:06.195 --> 00:17:08.455
of 59 adult use cannabis applications,

385
00:17:08.455 --> 00:17:10.415
which have cleared the multi-step review process.

386
00:17:11.075 --> 00:17:14.055
Uh, the applications in this packet include applications

387
00:17:14.055 --> 00:17:16.735
from the November and December queues processor type three

388
00:17:16.735 --> 00:17:18.215
applications, as well as a handful

389
00:17:18.235 --> 00:17:19.735
of card provisional licensees

390
00:17:19.965 --> 00:17:21.655
that are now seeking final approval.

391
00:17:22.475 --> 00:17:25.335
Uh, the 59 applications include one cultivator,

392
00:17:25.335 --> 00:17:29.215
12 retail dispensaries, six card final licenses,

393
00:17:30.015 --> 00:17:32.375
14 micro businesses, five distributors,

394
00:17:32.515 --> 00:17:35.335
and 21 processors If approved,

395
00:17:35.405 --> 00:17:36.455
this will bring the total number

396
00:17:36.555 --> 00:17:38.775
of adult use cannabis licenses that have been approved

397
00:17:38.875 --> 00:17:41.375
to 1,785.

398
00:17:42.535 --> 00:17:44.695
I also wanna just take a brief moment to give a,

399
00:17:44.695 --> 00:17:46.095
give an update on, uh, the number

400
00:17:46.095 --> 00:17:47.655
of pending applications in each

401
00:17:47.655 --> 00:17:48.855
of our kind of different buckets.

402
00:17:49.435 --> 00:17:51.565
Okay. Starting with the November queue, uh,

403
00:17:51.565 --> 00:17:56.405
which originally included, uh, 1,603 applications, um,

404
00:17:56.465 --> 00:17:58.965
650 of those have received final license.

405
00:17:59.625 --> 00:18:00.925
No, not all are open yet.

406
00:18:01.025 --> 00:18:03.125
Um, typically there's, there's a, there's a delay

407
00:18:03.125 --> 00:18:05.285
between receiving that, that final license

408
00:18:05.385 --> 00:18:09.485
and then actually operationalizing, um, um, the dispensary

409
00:18:10.145 --> 00:18:13.885
231 have received a provisional license, are in the process

410
00:18:13.945 --> 00:18:15.605
of finding a, a viable location,

411
00:18:15.865 --> 00:18:17.045
and they will be coming back

412
00:18:17.045 --> 00:18:19.005
before the board for final approval.

413
00:18:19.655 --> 00:18:23.245
361, uh, applications are pending, meaning their, their,

414
00:18:23.245 --> 00:18:25.085
their applications are under review going

415
00:18:25.085 --> 00:18:26.845
through the additional info required

416
00:18:26.985 --> 00:18:30.165
or, uh, enforcement checks, background check process

417
00:18:31.145 --> 00:18:34.445
and 361 of these applications have been closed,

418
00:18:34.595 --> 00:18:36.725
meaning they were either denied, withdrawn,

419
00:18:36.905 --> 00:18:40.165
or, um, administratively, uh, uh, uh, closed.

420
00:18:40.445 --> 00:18:43.805
I I will note that, um, due to recent court action, a number

421
00:18:43.805 --> 00:18:47.205
of those, uh, licenses maybe get put back into processing

422
00:18:47.205 --> 00:18:49.885
that is actively being reviewed by IR Council's office.

423
00:18:50.385 --> 00:18:53.365
And, uh, I think we can anticipate that, um, a a chunk

424
00:18:53.365 --> 00:18:55.445
of those licenses will, will be put back into process

425
00:18:55.545 --> 00:18:58.045
and we'll obviously keep the board very much abreast of

426
00:18:58.045 --> 00:19:01.925
that, of those developments from the December queue, uh,

427
00:19:01.925 --> 00:19:03.725
which includes, uh, the different queues

428
00:19:03.765 --> 00:19:05.125
depending on the license type.

429
00:19:05.465 --> 00:19:08.365
Um, so there's the cultivation queue, processor queue,

430
00:19:08.365 --> 00:19:10.765
distributor queue, and our retail and micro queue.

431
00:19:11.215 --> 00:19:15.245
There are 2,706 retail dispensary applications pending,

432
00:19:15.615 --> 00:19:20.005
886 micro business applications, 174,

433
00:19:20.445 --> 00:19:25.085
cultivation 113 processors and 179 distributors.

434
00:19:26.505 --> 00:19:28.885
Lastly, mm-hmm, our, our our card bucket.

435
00:19:29.145 --> 00:19:31.885
Um, it's actually first time, uh, the, the number

436
00:19:31.905 --> 00:19:34.165
of provisional licenses is less than a number

437
00:19:34.165 --> 00:19:35.405
of licenses that have been issued.

438
00:19:35.745 --> 00:19:39.845
So we have a 280 card that have received a final license in,

439
00:19:39.905 --> 00:19:43.805
uh, 260 that remain in that provisional license status.

440
00:19:44.505 --> 00:19:46.485
So, uh, the office will continue to provide these updates,

441
00:19:47.105 --> 00:19:48.685
uh, during, during board meetings on,

442
00:19:48.685 --> 00:19:50.005
on the number of pending applications.

443
00:19:50.305 --> 00:19:52.525
Uh, wanna do a shout out, of course to the licensing team

444
00:19:52.525 --> 00:19:54.485
for all the hard work of getting through these applications.

445
00:19:55.105 --> 00:19:56.285
And, uh, happy to answer any

446
00:19:56.285 --> 00:19:57.405
additional questions the board may have.

447
00:19:57.625 --> 00:19:59.885
Thanks, pat. Any questions from the board?

448
00:20:02.275 --> 00:20:04.815
Uh, if there are no questions, um, I'll call it for a vote.

449
00:20:04.915 --> 00:20:09.415
Um, all in favor of, uh, resolution 2025 dash 42.

450
00:20:09.715 --> 00:20:12.215
Uh, could you signify by seeing aye. Aye. Aye.

451
00:20:12.355 --> 00:20:17.135
Any opposition? Any abstentions? All right. Motion carries.

452
00:20:17.875 --> 00:20:20.815
Uh, next order of business is, uh, resolution

453
00:20:21.395 --> 00:20:23.375
2025 dash 43.

454
00:20:23.775 --> 00:20:25.055
Consideration of card renewals.

455
00:20:25.115 --> 00:20:28.855
Can I have a motion to, um, consider? So move? I'll second.

456
00:20:28.855 --> 00:20:30.975
Second. Um, great, pat.

457
00:20:32.385 --> 00:20:34.735
Thank you. Of course. So, uh, part one 16,

458
00:20:34.735 --> 00:20:36.575
outline the requirements for the card license.

459
00:20:36.915 --> 00:20:38.575
Uh, the card license, which stands

460
00:20:38.575 --> 00:20:41.455
for conditional adult use retail dispensary is, uh,

461
00:20:41.455 --> 00:20:43.775
the conditional period lasts for four years, um,

462
00:20:43.795 --> 00:20:46.335
but the license is only valid for two years, so they need

463
00:20:46.335 --> 00:20:47.530
to be renewed after two years.

464
00:20:48.265 --> 00:20:51.045
Uh, there are two card licensees that have made it

465
00:20:51.045 --> 00:20:53.525
through the renewal process in submitting the required

466
00:20:53.525 --> 00:20:55.885
information that's required by Part one 16.

467
00:20:56.785 --> 00:20:59.485
Um, the office is recommending, uh, approval for both

468
00:20:59.485 --> 00:21:00.605
of these renewals.

469
00:21:01.145 --> 00:21:03.845
And, um, just to kind of give a, a tidbit

470
00:21:03.845 --> 00:21:06.125
of what's coming down the pike, uh, due

471
00:21:06.125 --> 00:21:09.645
to the injunction back in, in 2023, um, there's a,

472
00:21:09.685 --> 00:21:11.685
a gap in time from when we approved

473
00:21:11.685 --> 00:21:13.125
additional card licenses.

474
00:21:13.385 --> 00:21:17.605
And so I, we, if these two get approved, these will be, um,

475
00:21:17.805 --> 00:21:19.885
renewing those that essentially got approved

476
00:21:19.885 --> 00:21:20.925
before the injunction.

477
00:21:21.505 --> 00:21:23.045
And then starting in November,

478
00:21:23.365 --> 00:21:26.445
December is when we're gonna start seeing again the other

479
00:21:26.445 --> 00:21:29.045
card applicants that, uh, started getting approved

480
00:21:29.045 --> 00:21:31.125
after the injunction, coming back before the board.

481
00:21:31.185 --> 00:21:32.885
So I just wanted to add that

482
00:21:32.885 --> 00:21:34.285
as what's, what's coming down the road.

483
00:21:34.455 --> 00:21:36.645
Great. Thank you for that. Um, any questions?

484
00:21:38.785 --> 00:21:40.805
All right, I'll take it to a vote. All in favor say

485
00:21:40.825 --> 00:21:42.005
aye or show of hands?

486
00:21:42.465 --> 00:21:45.005
Aye. Aye. Aye. Any, uh, I guess that's all of us. All right.

487
00:21:45.005 --> 00:21:49.125
Motion carries. Or I'll say aye, too. Um, great.

488
00:21:49.275 --> 00:21:52.045
Next, uh, resolution is, uh, motion.

489
00:21:52.265 --> 00:21:56.845
See, can I have a motion to consider, uh, 2025 dash 44

490
00:21:57.445 --> 00:22:00.125
consideration of adult use licensee location change

491
00:22:00.125 --> 00:22:01.405
amendment requests?

492
00:22:02.625 --> 00:22:05.245
So, move. Can I have a second? I'll second. Great.

493
00:22:05.745 --> 00:22:07.445
And Pat, is this you again? Yeah.

494
00:22:07.585 --> 00:22:09.245
All right. This is an easy one.

495
00:22:09.975 --> 00:22:11.715
So, uh, we've been approving amendments for some time.

496
00:22:12.055 --> 00:22:14.635
Uh, there's an amendment survey on our website, uh,

497
00:22:14.635 --> 00:22:17.635
for any licensee who's seeking to either do a, uh, change

498
00:22:17.635 --> 00:22:20.355
to their cultivation method or change location.

499
00:22:21.095 --> 00:22:24.915
Um, in the board packet for this month, there are 46 applica

500
00:22:24.915 --> 00:22:27.955
or licensees that are requesting an amendment in some form.

501
00:22:28.575 --> 00:22:31.315
Uh, they've, uh, completed all the requirements in terms

502
00:22:31.315 --> 00:22:33.595
of submitting required information for this amendment,

503
00:22:33.735 --> 00:22:35.035
and the office is recommending approval.

504
00:22:35.365 --> 00:22:39.905
Great. Any questions? All right. No questions.

505
00:22:40.055 --> 00:22:43.225
I'll call for a vote. All in favor signify by saying aye.

506
00:22:43.485 --> 00:22:46.745
Aye. Any? No, that's all of us. All right. Motion carries.

507
00:22:47.605 --> 00:22:51.065
Um, next one that we have to kick do, uh,

508
00:22:51.805 --> 00:22:54.865
can I have a motion to consider resolution 2025 dash,

509
00:22:55.405 --> 00:22:56.985
uh, 46?

510
00:22:57.185 --> 00:22:58.545
I believe we're at 40 45.

511
00:22:58.635 --> 00:23:01.385
45, uh, consideration of cannabis research license.

512
00:23:01.995 --> 00:23:05.905
Thank you. Um, pat, are you gonna over give us the overview?

513
00:23:05.905 --> 00:23:09.065
Okay. So move. Oh, sorry. Nevermind. Oh, too quickly.

514
00:23:09.525 --> 00:23:12.705
Can have a, you shall move. Can have a second? Fantastic.

515
00:23:12.705 --> 00:23:13.825
Thank you. All right. Now it's you,

516
00:23:15.905 --> 00:23:18.145
Uh, one research license before the board today.

517
00:23:18.245 --> 00:23:20.065
And of course, we're always, uh, very excited

518
00:23:20.065 --> 00:23:21.425
to see these when they, they come through.

519
00:23:21.825 --> 00:23:24.265
'cause research is such, such an important aspect of, uh,

520
00:23:24.455 --> 00:23:25.625
this, you know, new industry.

521
00:23:25.625 --> 00:23:28.265
And one of the real benefits of legalization, uh,

522
00:23:28.265 --> 00:23:31.465
this particular research licensee is looking into, um,

523
00:23:32.095 --> 00:23:33.305
disease resistant

524
00:23:33.485 --> 00:23:36.905
and drought resistant cultivars for growing cannabis,

525
00:23:36.905 --> 00:23:39.065
particularly in, in, in upstate New York.

526
00:23:39.685 --> 00:23:43.865
Um, uh, with a hope of creating, uh, a seed bank from these,

527
00:23:44.045 --> 00:23:46.525
uh, genetics and, and, and, and,

528
00:23:46.545 --> 00:23:49.365
and plants that are, are more suited to grow in, in, in, uh,

529
00:23:49.365 --> 00:23:51.285
upstate New York conditions, uh,

530
00:23:51.345 --> 00:23:53.205
the office has reviewed and is recommending approval.

531
00:23:54.375 --> 00:23:58.245
Thank you. Now, any questions? Uh, comments? Nope.

532
00:23:58.425 --> 00:24:00.125
All right. Uh, then I'll call it for a vote.

533
00:24:00.185 --> 00:24:03.685
All in favor signify by saying or show of hands with aye.

534
00:24:03.985 --> 00:24:07.925
Aye. Any nays? No. Motion carries. Um, thank you.

535
00:24:09.065 --> 00:24:10.485
All right. Moving along.

536
00:24:10.825 --> 00:24:15.205
Uh, can I have a motion to consider resolution 2025 dash 46

537
00:24:16.205 --> 00:24:17.445
consideration of certain applications

538
00:24:17.445 --> 00:24:19.605
with non-viable locations requesting

539
00:24:19.605 --> 00:24:22.005
that the board determine whether granting the license would

540
00:24:22.005 --> 00:24:23.685
promote public convenience and advantage?

541
00:24:24.505 --> 00:24:28.005
One more. Thank you. In a second. Second. Wonderful.

542
00:24:28.385 --> 00:24:29.525
Um, who is walking us

543
00:24:29.525 --> 00:24:30.885
through this one? Is that you again, pat?

544
00:24:31.225 --> 00:24:35.005
So, yeah. Okay. And

545
00:24:35.005 --> 00:24:36.965
before getting into the, the details of the resolution,

546
00:24:37.075 --> 00:24:39.405
just a reminder, uh, this process, uh,

547
00:24:39.405 --> 00:24:42.725
for public convenience and advantage, uh, allows, um,

548
00:24:43.375 --> 00:24:46.645
applicants to request, uh, approval for locations

549
00:24:46.645 --> 00:24:47.725
that are within the 1000

550
00:24:47.725 --> 00:24:50.605
and 2000 foot radius distances from another dispensary,

551
00:24:50.605 --> 00:24:52.285
which are, are set out as the regulations.

552
00:24:52.825 --> 00:24:55.405
Uh, there's one PCA request before the board today,

553
00:24:55.505 --> 00:24:56.845
and it will be reviewed under the,

554
00:24:56.865 --> 00:24:59.565
the current regulations part one, 19.4.

555
00:25:00.225 --> 00:25:03.285
Um, for applicants requesting a PCA, it will be be a review

556
00:25:03.345 --> 00:25:04.685
of their entire application.

557
00:25:04.785 --> 00:25:06.685
So if the application's approved,

558
00:25:06.785 --> 00:25:08.165
the full application will be approved.

559
00:25:08.265 --> 00:25:09.805
If, if the application is denied,

560
00:25:10.065 --> 00:25:11.405
the application will be denied.

561
00:25:12.105 --> 00:25:16.525
Um, the particular kinda facts surrounding this, this PCA,

562
00:25:17.225 --> 00:25:18.325
um, it's, uh,

563
00:25:18.635 --> 00:25:23.325
address is in se 73 0 1 Niagara Falls Boulevard in

564
00:25:23.325 --> 00:25:24.525
Niagara Falls, New York.

565
00:25:25.385 --> 00:25:28.325
Um, the applicant's, uh, name is, uh,

566
00:25:28.505 --> 00:25:30.605
WeCare Transportation, LLC.

567
00:25:31.225 --> 00:25:35.485
The nearest active, um, dispensary that is within 1000 feet

568
00:25:36.385 --> 00:25:39.805
is, uh, 800 and approximately 870 feet away.

569
00:25:39.945 --> 00:25:43.205
Uh, cannabis dispensary, LLC, they, uh,

570
00:25:43.485 --> 00:25:45.925
recently opened in April of 2024.

571
00:25:46.665 --> 00:25:49.525
The nearest pending, um, application is outside of

572
00:25:49.525 --> 00:25:51.685
that 1000 foot, uh, buffer distance,

573
00:25:52.545 --> 00:25:55.845
and, um, is roughly a couple miles away.

574
00:25:57.885 --> 00:25:59.385
The office has reviewed information

575
00:25:59.685 --> 00:26:03.105
and, uh, is recommending that given the, uh, proximity

576
00:26:03.485 --> 00:26:06.145
of a number of nearby dispensaries in, in the,

577
00:26:06.145 --> 00:26:08.625
the location already that we're recommending

578
00:26:08.625 --> 00:26:09.985
to not approve this dispensary.

579
00:26:10.445 --> 00:26:12.145
And I'll turn it over to board for consideration.

580
00:26:12.875 --> 00:26:17.345
Thank you, pat. Um, this one will merit some discussion,

581
00:26:18.325 --> 00:26:19.345
um, to support.

582
00:26:19.345 --> 00:26:20.825
Have any comments?

583
00:26:21.575 --> 00:26:23.025
Just a point of clarification.

584
00:26:23.085 --> 00:26:26.425
It, it opened, the other one opened on April, 2025, correct?

585
00:26:26.425 --> 00:26:27.585
Correct. Yes. Sorry.

586
00:26:30.885 --> 00:26:31.985
Mm-hmm. Did you wanna add,

587
00:26:32.485 --> 00:26:34.985
So I'm, I'm interested to hear from other board members.

588
00:26:35.345 --> 00:26:39.785
I, I'm, I am, this is a hard one for me.

589
00:26:40.005 --> 00:26:44.325
Uh, I've, I've believed, I feel like this one is,

590
00:26:44.825 --> 00:26:49.805
um, hasn't presented enough evidence under the

591
00:26:50.125 --> 00:26:51.965
criteria, even under the existing standard,

592
00:26:51.965 --> 00:26:53.765
which unfortunately are rather vague,

593
00:26:54.265 --> 00:26:56.765
but in terms of the difference between them

594
00:26:56.825 --> 00:26:59.965
and existing locations, there are a number

595
00:26:59.985 --> 00:27:02.285
of other locations in addition

596
00:27:02.285 --> 00:27:05.565
to the one within a thousand feet within the same community.

597
00:27:06.105 --> 00:27:07.645
Um, and another distinction

598
00:27:07.645 --> 00:27:10.445
that I would make is there does not seem to be evidence

599
00:27:10.545 --> 00:27:12.525
of significant community support

600
00:27:12.585 --> 00:27:14.085
for this particular applicant,

601
00:27:14.085 --> 00:27:16.885
and unlike cases that we have looked at in the past.

602
00:27:17.105 --> 00:27:19.285
So I'm interested to hear from other board members,

603
00:27:19.465 --> 00:27:22.725
but I do have concerns about granting A PCA in this case.

604
00:27:23.385 --> 00:27:24.765
Thanks, Brad. Um,

605
00:27:24.945 --> 00:27:27.455
do the other board must have a comment? Hope?

606
00:27:27.995 --> 00:27:32.815
Yes. I, um, support, you know, Brad's comments in

607
00:27:32.815 --> 00:27:37.415
that, um, the applicant did not make, um, a compelling case

608
00:27:37.605 --> 00:27:41.895
with respect to differentiation of, um, and,

609
00:27:41.915 --> 00:27:46.575
and compelling need for its, um, for its business.

610
00:27:49.945 --> 00:27:54.135
Thank you. Um, member Knight, um, I'm gonna go to you

611
00:27:54.135 --> 00:27:55.535
because I'm really, uh, to you Crystal,

612
00:27:55.535 --> 00:27:57.855
because I'm really, uh, interested in understanding

613
00:27:58.595 --> 00:28:01.495
the potential demand, um, in this area.

614
00:28:01.845 --> 00:28:05.535
Yeah. Um, because I, the, the volume, the density

615
00:28:05.675 --> 00:28:08.455
of dispensaries in, in, that's,

616
00:28:08.575 --> 00:28:09.855
I guess it's not so small of a city.

617
00:28:09.935 --> 00:28:13.215
I believe it's a population of over 45,000, um,

618
00:28:13.635 --> 00:28:15.135
but it does get a lot of tourism.

619
00:28:15.755 --> 00:28:18.135
It does, um, upwards of al almost,

620
00:28:18.475 --> 00:28:20.415
almost 10 million tourists a year.

621
00:28:20.445 --> 00:28:23.215
Exactly. Um, so I'm wondering what the capacity is

622
00:28:23.215 --> 00:28:27.815
to really support so many another dispensary in that area.

623
00:28:28.045 --> 00:28:32.295
Yeah. Um, so Niagara Falls is a heavy tourist area.

624
00:28:32.635 --> 00:28:34.775
In fact, I think one of the PCAs that we approved

625
00:28:36.195 --> 00:28:40.615
last month, this has well over, um,

626
00:28:41.605 --> 00:28:43.095
that, that traffic and,

627
00:28:43.195 --> 00:28:47.695
and I, I do think it supports, I totally, um, agree

628
00:28:48.085 --> 00:28:51.695
with the concerns that Brad and Hope have both expressed,

629
00:28:51.695 --> 00:28:54.095
but I don't think capacity in this area is an

630
00:28:54.095 --> 00:28:56.495
issue or saturation.

631
00:28:57.635 --> 00:29:00.535
Um, people from Buffalo, Western New York, we, we,

632
00:29:00.955 --> 00:29:02.055
we don't just stay in Buffalo

633
00:29:02.235 --> 00:29:03.135
and people in Niagara Falls

634
00:29:03.135 --> 00:29:04.215
just don't stay in Niagara Falls.

635
00:29:04.275 --> 00:29:06.855
So I think that the traffic is not an issue,

636
00:29:07.115 --> 00:29:10.015
and it, it could definitely argument can be made

637
00:29:10.015 --> 00:29:11.935
that it would be in the public can convenience

638
00:29:11.935 --> 00:29:14.135
to have another option.

639
00:29:16.115 --> 00:29:17.335
The other distinction, um,

640
00:29:17.495 --> 00:29:19.455
I don't recall if you made this point, Brett, is that

641
00:29:20.085 --> 00:29:22.215
this is, this is would be another adult use,

642
00:29:22.675 --> 00:29:24.415
not necessarily introducing new product

643
00:29:24.515 --> 00:29:25.815
as a micro business would,

644
00:29:26.035 --> 00:29:30.605
but rather potentially sell the same class of product that

645
00:29:31.785 --> 00:29:33.605
others in the area are selling.

646
00:29:35.935 --> 00:29:37.355
At least that's something I'm, I'm weighing.

647
00:29:38.375 --> 00:29:39.715
Um, other, I mean, it's,

648
00:29:40.065 --> 00:29:42.595
it's a very nice location with good parking.

649
00:29:43.305 --> 00:29:46.465
It's commercial strip. Um,

650
00:29:48.695 --> 00:29:51.555
Is this the town of Niagara Or is this Niagara

651
00:29:51.555 --> 00:29:52.555
Falls? Niagara Falls.

652
00:29:52.555 --> 00:29:52.825

653
00:29:53.565 --> 00:29:53.855
Okay.

654
00:29:59.445 --> 00:30:02.985
Uh, well, do we have any more comments or questions?

655
00:30:07.125 --> 00:30:08.825
All right, then I'm gonna call for a vote

656
00:30:08.965 --> 00:30:11.785
and seeing as how it's a difficult one, I will,

657
00:30:12.335 --> 00:30:13.785
I'll call each of us individually.

658
00:30:14.485 --> 00:30:17.305
Um, lemme make sure I don't forget anybody here, uh, member,

659
00:30:17.685 --> 00:30:21.985
um, uh, Rodriguez Dabney, how do you, how do you vote?

660
00:30:22.185 --> 00:30:24.305
I vote to grant Mr. Usher,

661
00:30:24.745 --> 00:30:25.745
I vote Against Grant,

662
00:30:26.525 --> 00:30:28.785
Uh, that was a no, uh, member Knight,

663
00:30:29.365 --> 00:30:30.365
No.

664
00:30:32.135 --> 00:30:34.115
And I am gonna vote in the negative as well.

665
00:30:37.475 --> 00:30:42.135
So with that, the motion does not carry, um,

666
00:30:42.205 --> 00:30:45.935
with the next order of business, uh, can I have a motion,

667
00:30:46.235 --> 00:30:50.695
motion to consider resolution 2025 dash 47

668
00:30:51.735 --> 00:30:53.975
consideration to render a decision in the appeal matter,

669
00:30:54.235 --> 00:30:58.255
administrative appeal 3 25 smoke shop versus

670
00:30:58.655 --> 00:31:03.095
OCM and our board council will

671
00:31:03.095 --> 00:31:04.175
come up to the table for us.

672
00:31:11.535 --> 00:31:13.465
Good morning board members. Thank you, Madam Chair.

673
00:31:17.355 --> 00:31:20.205
Okay. The resolution before the board is to consider

674
00:31:20.345 --> 00:31:22.605
and approve the recommended decision

675
00:31:22.865 --> 00:31:24.925
for the administrative appeal filed, filed

676
00:31:24.925 --> 00:31:28.005
by the Appellant 3 25 Smoke Shop, Inc.

677
00:31:29.025 --> 00:31:30.245
The appellant takes exception

678
00:31:30.245 --> 00:31:32.805
to the decision issued following an administrative hearing

679
00:31:32.995 --> 00:31:35.565
with the Office of Administrative Hearings, OAH.

680
00:31:36.425 --> 00:31:39.525
It was conducted pursuant to cannabis Law 1 38 B

681
00:31:39.745 --> 00:31:41.565
and Title I of the New York Codes Rules

682
00:31:41.565 --> 00:31:44.045
and Regulations Section 1 33 25.

683
00:31:45.265 --> 00:31:47.765
The hearing was on in the order to seal that was issued

684
00:31:47.785 --> 00:31:51.325
by OCM, and the scope of the hearing was whether

685
00:31:51.325 --> 00:31:53.525
or not that order to seal was in accordance with the law.

686
00:31:54.555 --> 00:31:56.695
The appellant had several exceptions

687
00:31:56.695 --> 00:31:58.215
that were noted in the appeal.

688
00:31:59.165 --> 00:32:02.015
However, the recommendation is to deny the appeal

689
00:32:02.595 --> 00:32:07.165
and affirm the a AJ's decision service was effectuated.

690
00:32:08.425 --> 00:32:12.085
The appellant's argument was regarding first class mailing

691
00:32:12.185 --> 00:32:14.485
of a copy of the Order seal as opposed

692
00:32:14.505 --> 00:32:17.045
to certified mailing in accordance with the statute.

693
00:32:17.395 --> 00:32:19.485
However, appellant's own witness acknowledged

694
00:32:19.485 --> 00:32:21.525
that personal service was made at the time

695
00:32:21.525 --> 00:32:23.485
of the inspection, and that the order

696
00:32:23.485 --> 00:32:24.805
to seal itself had been posted

697
00:32:26.825 --> 00:32:29.605
and any service defect was merely technical

698
00:32:29.605 --> 00:32:31.525
and did not run to the court without jurisdiction.

699
00:32:32.785 --> 00:32:35.685
The appellant in this argue in this appeal also makes an

700
00:32:35.845 --> 00:32:39.045
argument that because prohibited cannabinoids were found,

701
00:32:39.085 --> 00:32:43.825
found, OCM did not establish unlicensed activity

702
00:32:44.015 --> 00:32:46.865
because no license can be obtained to sell

703
00:32:46.865 --> 00:32:47.945
what is prohibited.

704
00:32:48.765 --> 00:32:51.865
The appellant also had a cannabinoid hemp license.

705
00:32:53.135 --> 00:32:56.505
Despite the appellant's argument, there was evidence

706
00:32:56.505 --> 00:32:58.945
that there was cannabis products on site,

707
00:32:59.245 --> 00:33:02.145
and there were also products on site that included

708
00:33:02.655 --> 00:33:06.865
pre-rolls, inhalation products such as vapes, all of which

709
00:33:07.565 --> 00:33:10.665
is prohibited, even with a cannabinoid hemp license,

710
00:33:11.235 --> 00:33:13.785
which is something that a LJ relied upon when determining

711
00:33:13.785 --> 00:33:15.465
there was on licensed activity.

712
00:33:16.705 --> 00:33:18.785
Moreover, the argument overlooks the fact

713
00:33:18.785 --> 00:33:22.225
that OCM regulates cannabinoid hemp within the state

714
00:33:22.225 --> 00:33:23.745
of New York and any hemp

715
00:33:23.895 --> 00:33:25.985
that is marketed for its consumption.

716
00:33:28.455 --> 00:33:31.675
The cannabis law doesn't draw a distinction

717
00:33:31.675 --> 00:33:33.355
between the various types of licenses,

718
00:33:33.815 --> 00:33:36.155
and it doesn't just draw, draw a distinction

719
00:33:36.155 --> 00:33:38.035
between the type of unlicensed activity

720
00:33:38.425 --> 00:33:41.595
that must be observed before an order to seal is issued.

721
00:33:43.835 --> 00:33:47.055
The decision here was supported by a preponderance

722
00:33:47.055 --> 00:33:49.455
of the evidence that the appellant was engaging in the sale

723
00:33:49.455 --> 00:33:51.135
of products without the requisite license,

724
00:33:51.715 --> 00:33:53.135
and it posed an imminent threat

725
00:33:53.155 --> 00:33:54.895
to the public health and safety and welfare.

726
00:33:56.245 --> 00:33:58.255
This decision was shared in advance of today.

727
00:33:58.445 --> 00:33:59.735
It's posted on the website

728
00:33:59.755 --> 00:34:01.175
and it goes into further detail

729
00:34:01.175 --> 00:34:02.375
supporting the recommendation.

730
00:34:02.595 --> 00:34:04.295
I'm happy to answer any additional questions.

731
00:34:05.225 --> 00:34:09.935
Thank you. Any questions from the board? All right. Yeah.

732
00:34:09.965 --> 00:34:13.615
With no questions. Um, I call it, I call for a vote all in.

733
00:34:13.955 --> 00:34:16.935
Um, maybe I'll go one, one for this one as well.

734
00:34:17.475 --> 00:34:20.735
Um, uh, member Rodriguez Abney,

735
00:34:20.735 --> 00:34:22.095
how do you vote on this? Can you call

736
00:34:22.095 --> 00:34:23.695
The question, the, the Recommendation is to

737
00:34:23.955 --> 00:34:24.955
Uphold the decision?

738
00:34:24.995 --> 00:34:26.495
Yes. To deny the

739
00:34:26.495 --> 00:34:29.295
Appellant's appeal and affirm the AJ's decision time about

740
00:34:29.295 --> 00:34:30.295
An affirmative.

741
00:34:30.425 --> 00:34:34.295
Great. Um, member Usher, I vote in Member Knight

742
00:34:34.965 --> 00:34:36.335
Also affirm the decision

743
00:34:37.675 --> 00:34:39.175
And I vote in the affirmative as well.

744
00:34:41.555 --> 00:34:43.295
Um, next order business.

745
00:34:43.315 --> 00:34:47.375
Can I have a motion to, um, consider

746
00:34:48.135 --> 00:34:52.295
resolution 2025 dash 49 consideration of public convenience?

747
00:34:52.775 --> 00:34:54.695
I think we have 48. Oh, I'm so sorry.

748
00:34:54.915 --> 00:34:57.455
I'm just going on the script. It's another administrator.

749
00:34:58.235 --> 00:34:59.095
Oh, we have another one.

750
00:35:08.815 --> 00:35:13.765
That one. Sorry. Resolution 2025 dash

751
00:35:13.765 --> 00:35:15.605
48 resolution to render a decision

752
00:35:15.625 --> 00:35:20.285
for administrative appeal on Wicked Glass versus OCM.

753
00:35:22.395 --> 00:35:23.425
Thank you, Madam Chair.

754
00:35:23.885 --> 00:35:25.785
The resolution before the board is to consider

755
00:35:25.785 --> 00:35:27.145
and approve the recommended decision

756
00:35:27.205 --> 00:35:30.105
for the appeal filing filed by Appellant Wicked Glass.

757
00:35:30.575 --> 00:35:33.945
Similar to the last matter, the appellant takes exception

758
00:35:33.945 --> 00:35:35.945
to a decision issued by the OAH,

759
00:35:36.795 --> 00:35:39.365
following the hearing on the order to seal pursuant

760
00:35:39.365 --> 00:35:40.845
to cannabis law 1 38 B.

761
00:35:42.185 --> 00:35:45.485
The appellant takes several exceptions to the AJ's decision,

762
00:35:46.105 --> 00:35:47.645
uh, including of course, service

763
00:35:47.945 --> 00:35:50.285
and some substantive issues.

764
00:35:50.285 --> 00:35:53.885
However, the decision or the recommended decision

765
00:35:53.905 --> 00:35:57.245
before the board today is to dismiss the appellant's appeal

766
00:35:57.265 --> 00:36:00.445
as wo and to remand the matter back to the OAH

767
00:36:00.445 --> 00:36:03.005
for further proceedings on the NOV

768
00:36:03.025 --> 00:36:05.605
and the cease order in accordance with Canada's law

769
00:36:05.605 --> 00:36:09.085
and the regulations, the appeal is moved simply

770
00:36:09.085 --> 00:36:13.245
because the order to steal here was already vacated by OCM.

771
00:36:13.745 --> 00:36:16.725
The order to vacate that order to seal was issued

772
00:36:16.725 --> 00:36:17.725
after the appeal.

773
00:36:18.225 --> 00:36:21.605
The instant appeal before the board, uh, was filed.

774
00:36:22.825 --> 00:36:27.165
The appellant raises also requests for the NOV

775
00:36:27.165 --> 00:36:28.525
and the cease order to be dismissed.

776
00:36:28.525 --> 00:36:30.645
However, that is not properly before the Board,

777
00:36:30.645 --> 00:36:34.205
because those matters were not adjudicated by the OAH

778
00:36:34.265 --> 00:36:36.485
and have not yet reached the final determination,

779
00:36:38.225 --> 00:36:41.645
The, The merits.

780
00:36:41.645 --> 00:36:43.165
However, just to be clear,

781
00:36:43.425 --> 00:36:45.645
the recommended decision in finding

782
00:36:45.675 --> 00:36:48.885
that the relief requested is already been effectuated,

783
00:36:48.885 --> 00:36:51.165
and that the, the appeal is moot.

784
00:36:51.705 --> 00:36:55.565
It does not go into discussion of the merits

785
00:36:55.785 --> 00:36:57.085
of Colin's arguments.

786
00:36:57.085 --> 00:36:59.525
It is simply to dismiss the appeal as move

787
00:36:59.825 --> 00:37:00.845
and to remand the matter.

788
00:37:00.845 --> 00:37:04.465
Back to OEH, I'm happy to answer any questions,

789
00:37:05.475 --> 00:37:06.475
Any questions or comments?

790
00:37:08.405 --> 00:37:09.545
All right. I'll call for the vote.

791
00:37:09.765 --> 00:37:13.425
Um, member Rodriguez Abney Aye. Member Usher. Aye.

792
00:37:13.425 --> 00:37:17.985
Member Knight. Aye. And I vote Aye as well.

793
00:37:18.405 --> 00:37:19.425
Motion carries.

794
00:37:20.155 --> 00:37:22.625
Thank you. Thank you very much.

795
00:37:24.485 --> 00:37:27.865
See, now we go on to next one, which is, uh,

796
00:37:27.865 --> 00:37:32.825
can I have a motion to consider resolution 2025 dash 41, um,

797
00:37:33.345 --> 00:37:34.825
consideration of public convenience

798
00:37:34.825 --> 00:37:37.625
and advantage regulations to be made effective?

799
00:37:39.085 --> 00:37:42.665
So moved. And I have a second, second, second, um,

800
00:37:42.665 --> 00:37:43.665
member dab, uh, dab.

801
00:37:43.665 --> 00:37:44.825
Where do you guys dabney? Great. Um,

802
00:37:45.045 --> 00:37:47.265
and Pat assist you to walk us through it?

803
00:37:47.575 --> 00:37:48.575
Yeah.

804
00:37:49.775 --> 00:37:53.635
So, uh, this rec package, uh, originally was, uh, put out

805
00:37:53.635 --> 00:37:55.515
for public comment in October of 2024.

806
00:37:56.095 --> 00:37:58.955
Uh, received comments and, uh, was amended

807
00:37:59.135 --> 00:38:02.195
and put out again for a second public comment period in,

808
00:38:02.195 --> 00:38:03.675
in Fe February by the board.

809
00:38:04.375 --> 00:38:07.195
Um, through this, uh, second public comment period, um,

810
00:38:07.275 --> 00:38:10.115
a a lot of the comments were, were similar to the first, uh,

811
00:38:10.405 --> 00:38:12.915
requesting, um, that the public convenience

812
00:38:12.915 --> 00:38:16.395
and advantage process, um, have a, a higher barrier

813
00:38:16.575 --> 00:38:18.555
to be able to approve those public convenience

814
00:38:18.555 --> 00:38:20.035
and advantage, uh, regulations.

815
00:38:20.735 --> 00:38:23.795
Um, as a reminder, what this, this package does there,

816
00:38:23.795 --> 00:38:25.955
there's a number of changes from what is in the current,

817
00:38:25.955 --> 00:38:27.035
current regulations.

818
00:38:27.455 --> 00:38:31.355
Uh, the first of which is it sets a floor in which, uh,

819
00:38:31.415 --> 00:38:33.875
if a dispensary is close to another dispensary

820
00:38:33.875 --> 00:38:36.965
that no public convenience and advantage can be considered.

821
00:38:37.385 --> 00:38:40.845
So, uh, in municipalities where there are over 20,000, uh,

822
00:38:40.975 --> 00:38:44.005
population, that that floor is set at 500 feet.

823
00:38:44.425 --> 00:38:45.765
And so the public convenience

824
00:38:45.765 --> 00:38:47.405
and advantage requests would only be eligible

825
00:38:47.405 --> 00:38:50.925
between 500 feet distance to 1000 feet d uh, distance

826
00:38:51.505 --> 00:38:56.285
in a municipality that is under 20,000 population, uh, the,

827
00:38:56.285 --> 00:38:57.965
the florist at 1000 feet.

828
00:38:58.105 --> 00:38:59.765
So those, uh, public convenience

829
00:38:59.765 --> 00:39:02.285
and bench requests will be between 1000 feet

830
00:39:02.305 --> 00:39:05.885
and 2000 feet, reflecting kind of the 1000, 2000 distinction

831
00:39:05.885 --> 00:39:07.725
that is, is currently in our regulations.

832
00:39:08.425 --> 00:39:10.325
Um, another, uh, bell

833
00:39:10.325 --> 00:39:13.165
or whistle that is in this reg package is, uh,

834
00:39:13.545 --> 00:39:17.365
the conflicting dispensary that, uh, is in the 1000

835
00:39:17.365 --> 00:39:19.725
or 2000 foot radius must be operational

836
00:39:19.745 --> 00:39:21.125
for a period of nine months.

837
00:39:21.545 --> 00:39:23.845
Uh, the justification behind this provision is

838
00:39:23.845 --> 00:39:26.445
to give some time for that dispensary to become operational,

839
00:39:26.705 --> 00:39:28.565
and then also have a better understanding if

840
00:39:28.565 --> 00:39:30.685
that area needs another dispensary.

841
00:39:31.545 --> 00:39:34.765
Um, additionally, there is a provision which, uh,

842
00:39:35.015 --> 00:39:36.565
would limit public convenience

843
00:39:36.565 --> 00:39:39.685
and advantage requests when there is a conflict of two

844
00:39:39.705 --> 00:39:41.405
or more of the same license type.

845
00:39:41.985 --> 00:39:45.885
So, uh, if there is a, uh, proposed dispensary location

846
00:39:45.885 --> 00:39:48.885
that conflicts with two other retail dispensaries,

847
00:39:48.995 --> 00:39:50.165
that would be ineligible

848
00:39:50.165 --> 00:39:51.965
for a public convenience and advantage request.

849
00:39:52.075 --> 00:39:54.285
However, if one was a retail dispensary

850
00:39:54.285 --> 00:39:56.925
and one was a micro business that would be eligible for a,

851
00:39:57.045 --> 00:39:59.765
a public Convenience and advantage request, uh,

852
00:39:59.765 --> 00:40:02.165
the regulations also make some changes as it relates

853
00:40:02.165 --> 00:40:03.525
to notification to municipalities

854
00:40:03.745 --> 00:40:05.805
and the impacted licensees.

855
00:40:06.625 --> 00:40:10.765
Uh, it adopts the similar kind of municipal opinion, uh,

856
00:40:10.765 --> 00:40:14.365
process we have at the initial application stage specific

857
00:40:14.385 --> 00:40:16.565
to public convenience and advantage, uh,

858
00:40:16.565 --> 00:40:17.685
given community boards

859
00:40:17.685 --> 00:40:19.325
and municipalities, um, 45 days

860
00:40:19.385 --> 00:40:21.925
to provide an opinion on the, um,

861
00:40:22.265 --> 00:40:23.925
public Convenience and advantage request.

862
00:40:24.185 --> 00:40:28.365
Uh, and also requires that when an applicant submits

863
00:40:28.365 --> 00:40:31.125
for a public convenience advantage request, uh, this,

864
00:40:31.235 --> 00:40:33.725
they also send the impacted applicants at the same time

865
00:40:33.725 --> 00:40:35.205
that they send to the municipality.

866
00:40:35.905 --> 00:40:40.285
Uh, lastly, it, uh, includes a provision to allow the, um,

867
00:40:42.365 --> 00:40:44.805
entities, stakeholders that are involved in the PCA request

868
00:40:44.865 --> 00:40:46.965
to be heard and appear, uh, uh, in front

869
00:40:46.965 --> 00:40:48.005
of the board at a court meeting.

870
00:40:48.905 --> 00:40:50.365
So, thank you and happy to answer

871
00:40:50.365 --> 00:40:51.525
any questions the board may have.

872
00:40:52.095 --> 00:40:54.445
Thank you. Patrick. Any questions, comments?

873
00:40:58.105 --> 00:41:01.165
Uh, I, I support these changes.

874
00:41:01.405 --> 00:41:04.325
I think that they will give the guy board much better

875
00:41:04.805 --> 00:41:07.165
guidance and applicant's much better guidance about

876
00:41:07.795 --> 00:41:08.965
what the standards are.

877
00:41:09.425 --> 00:41:11.765
Um, I looked through the public comments, uh,

878
00:41:11.985 --> 00:41:13.325
and the,

879
00:41:13.385 --> 00:41:16.925
the comments generally reflected an interest in at least

880
00:41:16.975 --> 00:41:18.485
these strong provisions,

881
00:41:18.485 --> 00:41:19.805
and some people wanted stronger ones,

882
00:41:19.805 --> 00:41:21.085
but I think these are regardless

883
00:41:21.265 --> 00:41:22.845
of real step in the right direction,

884
00:41:23.065 --> 00:41:26.365
and we'll make these decisions, uh, much more transparent,

885
00:41:26.565 --> 00:41:28.045
I think, for, for everyone.

886
00:41:28.145 --> 00:41:29.925
So, I, I, I strongly support them.

887
00:41:31.465 --> 00:41:33.645
Thank you, member Usher. Any other comments?

888
00:41:35.565 --> 00:41:37.745
I'm also really pleased that we're, we are creating more,

889
00:41:38.415 --> 00:41:39.905
more clarity of our process.

890
00:41:40.845 --> 00:41:42.825
Um, and I, I look forward to working with,

891
00:41:42.825 --> 00:41:45.425
with the team on developing that, the process for public,

892
00:41:45.725 --> 00:41:48.985
um, for hearing from both the licensees impacted, um,

893
00:41:49.085 --> 00:41:52.865
as well as the, the community to make it a fair process.

894
00:41:53.725 --> 00:41:55.705
Uh, so if there are no other questions

895
00:41:55.705 --> 00:41:57.625
or comments, I'll just call for a vote.

896
00:41:57.885 --> 00:42:02.215
Um, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

897
00:42:03.655 --> 00:42:05.675
All right. Motion carries. Thank you everyone.

898
00:42:06.695 --> 00:42:10.235
Um, next order of business is, uh, can I have a motion to

899
00:42:11.715 --> 00:42:13.275
consider resolution?

900
00:42:15.205 --> 00:42:19.235
Sorry, I'm not very good with ISSA technology here.

901
00:42:19.395 --> 00:42:22.675
Resolution 2025 dash 50 consideration

902
00:42:22.675 --> 00:42:25.155
of adult use Cannabis Market overview and recommendation.

903
00:42:25.895 --> 00:42:28.355
Can I have a motion? So moved. Second. Second.

904
00:42:29.095 --> 00:42:32.675
Um, all right. And this is you, John. Great.

905
00:42:36.005 --> 00:42:37.355
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you.

906
00:42:37.405 --> 00:42:39.275
Board members, and thank you all for being here.

907
00:42:39.895 --> 00:42:41.075
Um, the office is very pleased

908
00:42:41.075 --> 00:42:43.595
to present the first ever market reports to the board

909
00:42:43.595 --> 00:42:46.155
for consideration per the cannabis law.

910
00:42:46.175 --> 00:42:47.795
The board is directed to review the impact

911
00:42:47.795 --> 00:42:48.995
of licenses issued

912
00:42:49.305 --> 00:42:51.755
that have captured substantial market share in any license

913
00:42:52.115 --> 00:42:54.755
category to determine if within the first two years

914
00:42:54.815 --> 00:42:57.835
of program, if such licenses are impairing on impeding

915
00:42:57.835 --> 00:43:00.315
achievement of the Lou's laws, social equity goals,

916
00:43:00.615 --> 00:43:03.355
or neg negatively impacting fairness, uh,

917
00:43:03.415 --> 00:43:05.275
for small businesses and distressed farmers.

918
00:43:06.295 --> 00:43:08.755
The laws direct support to assess if there are

919
00:43:09.355 --> 00:43:11.395
adequate su uh, supplies of cannabis in the market,

920
00:43:11.535 --> 00:43:14.795
and identify ways to prevent market case domination by any,

921
00:43:15.135 --> 00:43:16.515
uh, individual operators.

922
00:43:17.385 --> 00:43:19.475
This report, which covers the market through the end

923
00:43:19.475 --> 00:43:21.635
of 2024, provides the most comprehensive,

924
00:43:21.635 --> 00:43:24.035
comprehensive assessment of market conditions

925
00:43:24.185 --> 00:43:25.475
that we've developed today.

926
00:43:25.815 --> 00:43:28.755
It includes a detailed analysis of the number

927
00:43:28.755 --> 00:43:31.275
and types of licenses that have been issued through the end

928
00:43:31.275 --> 00:43:35.435
of 2024, the state distribution of social

929
00:43:35.495 --> 00:43:37.635
and equin, uh, of social

930
00:43:37.655 --> 00:43:40.435
and economic equity participation across this market.

931
00:43:40.855 --> 00:43:42.075
Uh, we've looked at trends

932
00:43:42.095 --> 00:43:44.995
and product sales, including the regional distribution

933
00:43:45.295 --> 00:43:46.315
of sales and trends

934
00:43:46.315 --> 00:43:48.915
and wholesale transfers between suppliers and our retailers.

935
00:43:49.935 --> 00:43:52.195
The report also provides the most comprehensive view

936
00:43:52.195 --> 00:43:55.355
to date on product sales by category, including analysis,

937
00:43:55.355 --> 00:43:57.435
pricing, and package sizing, uh,

938
00:43:57.435 --> 00:43:59.115
trends within individual categories.

939
00:43:59.415 --> 00:44:01.675
It reviews the regional performance of dispensaries,

940
00:44:01.675 --> 00:44:05.715
establishing a baseline, um, for our regional operators,

941
00:44:06.535 --> 00:44:08.835
and compares performance across regions so

942
00:44:08.835 --> 00:44:11.435
that we can better understand how this market is emerging,

943
00:44:11.735 --> 00:44:14.955
not just statewide, um, but at the regional basis as well.

944
00:44:16.595 --> 00:44:18.195
Critically, the report also provides, uh,

945
00:44:18.395 --> 00:44:21.915
a detailed analysis of aggregated brand share, showing

946
00:44:22.015 --> 00:44:23.755
how brands are performing overall

947
00:44:23.975 --> 00:44:26.435
and within the individual categories, uh, that,

948
00:44:26.435 --> 00:44:27.875
that they're participating in.

949
00:44:29.005 --> 00:44:31.450
Final section of the report prevents, uh, presents some

950
00:44:31.450 --> 00:44:33.125
of the national cannabis industry dynamics

951
00:44:33.275 --> 00:44:36.525
that could have implications for, uh, the state of New York.

952
00:44:36.785 --> 00:44:38.845
Uh, the report analysis, uh, uh,

953
00:44:38.865 --> 00:44:41.605
and analyzes the disruptions experienced in markets,

954
00:44:41.875 --> 00:44:43.125
including, um,

955
00:44:44.065 --> 00:44:46.845
but the disruptions, um, experiencing in markets

956
00:44:46.845 --> 00:44:49.365
that are experiencing acute instability,

957
00:44:49.635 --> 00:44:52.165
including we've seen sharp declines in the number

958
00:44:52.165 --> 00:44:54.405
of licensed businesses in mature markets.

959
00:44:54.655 --> 00:44:57.285
We've seen declines in tax revenues where, uh,

960
00:44:57.285 --> 00:44:58.765
licensees have exited the market.

961
00:44:59.225 --> 00:45:01.685
Uh, we've seen a huge price compression in markets

962
00:45:01.685 --> 00:45:03.765
where competition has in intensified,

963
00:45:03.765 --> 00:45:06.685
and we've seen, uh, uh, surging, uh,

964
00:45:07.915 --> 00:45:11.045
delinquency in payments, uh, as businesses, uh,

965
00:45:11.045 --> 00:45:13.245
have experienced, uh, uh, capital crises.

966
00:45:14.715 --> 00:45:16.925
Notably, you know, this market was produ.

967
00:45:16.925 --> 00:45:18.725
This report was produced while the market was

968
00:45:18.725 --> 00:45:19.805
still very early in its growth.

969
00:45:19.805 --> 00:45:22.045
And therefore, while there are important signals

970
00:45:22.045 --> 00:45:24.005
to observe in this market, uh,

971
00:45:24.035 --> 00:45:27.245
this snapshot does not necessarily reflect, uh,

972
00:45:27.245 --> 00:45:29.125
where the market will ultimately end.

973
00:45:29.545 --> 00:45:31.325
For example, in the first two years of sales

974
00:45:31.325 --> 00:45:32.485
that are covered in this report,

975
00:45:32.705 --> 00:45:35.045
the market generated approximately a billion

976
00:45:35.045 --> 00:45:36.085
dollars worth of sales.

977
00:45:36.545 --> 00:45:38.845
Um, however, just in the first six months of this year,

978
00:45:38.845 --> 00:45:41.405
we're already at nearly $700 million in sales.

979
00:45:41.465 --> 00:45:42.565
So suggesting

980
00:45:42.565 --> 00:45:45.565
and reflecting the very, uh, uh, dramatic growth

981
00:45:45.565 --> 00:45:46.765
that we continue to experience.

982
00:45:47.875 --> 00:45:51.205
However, the report does reveal, uh, several indicators

983
00:45:51.225 --> 00:45:53.525
of market concentration that we're paying close attention to

984
00:45:53.525 --> 00:45:54.565
and, and will continue to monitor.

985
00:45:55.265 --> 00:45:57.885
So, for example, as we reviewed these data through the end

986
00:45:57.885 --> 00:46:01.485
of 2024, uh, there were 513 brands in the market,

987
00:46:01.905 --> 00:46:05.525
but just the top five brands that accounted for 21% of sales

988
00:46:05.985 --> 00:46:09.525
and the top 50 brands outta 513 accounted

989
00:46:09.525 --> 00:46:10.965
for nearly 70% of sales.

990
00:46:11.615 --> 00:46:13.845
While that certainly suggests that there's, um,

991
00:46:13.845 --> 00:46:16.325
some concentration happening at the top of the market,

992
00:46:16.545 --> 00:46:19.245
it doesn't yet account for the hundreds of licenses

993
00:46:19.245 --> 00:46:21.685
that have been issued, uh, uh, both

994
00:46:21.685 --> 00:46:24.005
during the period when the report was being produced,

995
00:46:24.025 --> 00:46:25.565
and since the report has been produced.

996
00:46:25.785 --> 00:46:28.765
And so just since the beginning of this year, um, the number

997
00:46:28.765 --> 00:46:30.405
of licenses, uh, uh, the number

998
00:46:30.405 --> 00:46:32.205
of brands in the market has grown, uh,

999
00:46:32.235 --> 00:46:35.245
from a little over 500 to nearly 600 brands.

1000
00:46:36.225 --> 00:46:39.725
Um, uh, and, uh, uh, you know, that that,

1001
00:46:40.345 --> 00:46:42.925
and those brands are all now dropping to market share

1002
00:46:42.925 --> 00:46:45.125
and dropping for, for shelf space, a reflection

1003
00:46:45.125 --> 00:46:47.245
of the continued growth in this market, uh,

1004
00:46:47.345 --> 00:46:50.725
but the importance of, of understanding how these, uh,

1005
00:46:50.725 --> 00:46:52.045
these trends continue to evolve.

1006
00:46:52.985 --> 00:46:54.645
The report concludes with recommendations for

1007
00:46:54.645 --> 00:46:56.765
how the board can continue to steer the market toward

1008
00:46:56.795 --> 00:46:58.445
healthy sustainable growth.

1009
00:46:59.185 --> 00:47:01.845
One important recommendation included in the report is

1010
00:47:01.845 --> 00:47:03.925
to allow adult use cultivators to transition

1011
00:47:03.925 --> 00:47:05.045
to indoor facilities,

1012
00:47:05.215 --> 00:47:07.525
which will help in addressing the limited availability

1013
00:47:07.705 --> 00:47:08.885
of indoor grown flower

1014
00:47:09.145 --> 00:47:11.165
and increase the stability of the supply chain.

1015
00:47:11.815 --> 00:47:13.485
There are other recommendations in the report,

1016
00:47:13.485 --> 00:47:16.325
which include the con, uh, to continue to review the health

1017
00:47:16.325 --> 00:47:18.325
and growth of market, to enable the board

1018
00:47:18.325 --> 00:47:20.205
to make kindly well-informed decisions

1019
00:47:20.205 --> 00:47:21.405
about the future of this market.

1020
00:47:21.865 --> 00:47:24.365
We also recommend continued investments in our compliance

1021
00:47:24.365 --> 00:47:27.485
and trade practice bureau efforts to ensure that, uh,

1022
00:47:27.485 --> 00:47:29.885
because compliance adherence is a critical tenant

1023
00:47:30.185 --> 00:47:31.365
of building an equitable

1024
00:47:31.365 --> 00:47:33.725
and sustainably competitive market into the future.

1025
00:47:34.865 --> 00:47:37.885
Now, in the interest of time, we understand

1026
00:47:37.885 --> 00:47:40.205
that this brief overview does not do justice

1027
00:47:40.345 --> 00:47:41.525
to the substance of the report.

1028
00:47:41.905 --> 00:47:43.925
Uh, but I would like to deeply thank all of the teams,

1029
00:47:43.995 --> 00:47:46.485
both internal and external, contributed

1030
00:47:46.905 --> 00:47:48.365
to the production of this report.

1031
00:47:48.985 --> 00:47:50.725
We also want to thank all of the entrepreneurs

1032
00:47:50.725 --> 00:47:53.045
and industry stakeholders that have built the market

1033
00:47:53.045 --> 00:47:55.685
that we're reporting on, uh, in this, uh,

1034
00:47:55.745 --> 00:47:59.165
and indeed as well, the leaders both at the board

1035
00:47:59.165 --> 00:48:01.525
and at the office, uh, who have done the incredible work

1036
00:48:01.525 --> 00:48:04.125
of laying the foundation, uh, to get the market to

1037
00:48:04.125 --> 00:48:05.165
where it is, uh,

1038
00:48:05.225 --> 00:48:07.565
and seeded, uh, the growth that is yet to come.

1039
00:48:08.025 --> 00:48:09.485
We very much look forward to continuing

1040
00:48:09.485 --> 00:48:11.245
to build on this work and to continue

1041
00:48:11.245 --> 00:48:13.325
to share timely updates on the size, growth,

1042
00:48:13.325 --> 00:48:15.765
and evolution of this market, uh, into the future.

1043
00:48:17.625 --> 00:48:20.005
Uh, thanks, John. Any questions from the board?

1044
00:48:22.065 --> 00:48:24.305
I just have one, I I don't wanna bury the lead,

1045
00:48:24.325 --> 00:48:26.905
but among the chief recommendations that we're,

1046
00:48:26.905 --> 00:48:29.505
that are in the report that we are supporting is

1047
00:48:29.565 --> 00:48:32.265
to change the cultivation method for cultivators.

1048
00:48:32.765 --> 00:48:33.545
Um, these are for

1049
00:48:33.545 --> 00:48:35.105
conditional cultivators who will be impacted?

1050
00:48:35.165 --> 00:48:37.785
Who, who are we looking to impact in in that change?

1051
00:48:38.045 --> 00:48:40.265
That's right. So the, the, uh,

1052
00:48:40.265 --> 00:48:41.745
adult use conditional cultivators,

1053
00:48:41.815 --> 00:48:44.385
what we're precluded from growing cannabis indoors.

1054
00:48:44.445 --> 00:48:46.505
And so, um, as they were transitioning,

1055
00:48:46.505 --> 00:48:49.785
they were only eligible to transition into, uh, the licenses

1056
00:48:49.785 --> 00:48:51.145
that were previously eligible for.

1057
00:48:51.605 --> 00:48:55.145
Um, this would allow the accs some who have transitioned to,

1058
00:48:55.285 --> 00:48:57.065
to, um, either remain outdoors

1059
00:48:57.065 --> 00:48:59.105
or transition, make light, mix light, um,

1060
00:48:59.365 --> 00:49:01.665
to give them the option to now be able to,

1061
00:49:01.805 --> 00:49:03.985
to participate in either indoor tier one

1062
00:49:03.985 --> 00:49:05.865
or tier two cultivation if they so choose.

1063
00:49:06.085 --> 00:49:08.305
Um, creating a bit, a little more flexibility in the

1064
00:49:08.305 --> 00:49:10.185
marketplace and harmonizing the access

1065
00:49:10.185 --> 00:49:12.785
to the different cultivation tiers for all of our producers.

1066
00:49:13.325 --> 00:49:15.065
And this does not increase their canopy,

1067
00:49:15.165 --> 00:49:16.105
it just gives them an

1068
00:49:16.105 --> 00:49:17.425
opportunity to change how they cultivate.

1069
00:49:17.565 --> 00:49:19.225
That's right. So the goal here to try

1070
00:49:19.225 --> 00:49:22.705
and keep the amount of, uh, kind of supply portal.

1071
00:49:23.005 --> 00:49:25.785
So, um, if you're moving from a tier four outdoor,

1072
00:49:25.785 --> 00:49:28.785
you've been moving to, uh, a smaller, um, uh, indoor

1073
00:49:28.785 --> 00:49:30.545
with expectation that you'll be getting

1074
00:49:30.615 --> 00:49:31.825
more cycles out of it.

1075
00:49:32.165 --> 00:49:34.145
Um, uh, so our, our way of reference,

1076
00:49:34.165 --> 00:49:37.025
our indoor cultivators are getting between, uh, three

1077
00:49:37.085 --> 00:49:40.465
and a half and five ion cycles per year are, uh, mixed,

1078
00:49:40.465 --> 00:49:41.945
like producers generally getting

1079
00:49:41.945 --> 00:49:43.745
around two cultivation cycles per year.

1080
00:49:43.925 --> 00:49:45.985
But our outdoor producers can only harvest once

1081
00:49:46.005 --> 00:49:47.185
per year, generally in the fall.

1082
00:49:47.565 --> 00:49:50.905
Um, and so this will allow for, um, this accounts for

1083
00:49:50.905 --> 00:49:53.345
that in terms of how they would be transitioning, uh,

1084
00:49:53.345 --> 00:49:56.865
from a larger outdoor canopy tool, uh, limited indoor canopy

1085
00:49:56.865 --> 00:49:57.865
with the assumption that you're getting

1086
00:49:57.865 --> 00:49:58.825
more complication cycles.

1087
00:49:59.015 --> 00:50:00.905
Okay, thank you. Um,

1088
00:50:01.365 --> 00:50:03.585
if there are no other questions, I'll call for the vote.

1089
00:50:04.425 --> 00:50:05.745
I, I do have a question. Sure.

1090
00:50:05.765 --> 00:50:07.225
I'm just not sure how to phrase it.

1091
00:50:07.505 --> 00:50:09.785
I guess I wanted to piggyback off of yours.

1092
00:50:09.785 --> 00:50:13.125
So does this impact people awaiting

1093
00:50:13.125 --> 00:50:16.205
for their cultivator license now?

1094
00:50:17.185 --> 00:50:21.245
It, it doesn't. So the, the intent here is, uh, at least

1095
00:50:21.245 --> 00:50:23.845
with this change and option being given folks to be able

1096
00:50:23.845 --> 00:50:28.525
to transition to a environment, um, it,

1097
00:50:28.825 --> 00:50:29.925
the, the goal here is to try

1098
00:50:29.925 --> 00:50:32.525
and keep the amount of square footage for canopy amount

1099
00:50:32.525 --> 00:50:34.405
of production area, um, consistent.

1100
00:50:34.865 --> 00:50:37.925
Um, so this, this is not intended to reduce kind

1101
00:50:37.925 --> 00:50:40.845
of further cultivation, uh, opportunities, uh, for,

1102
00:50:40.865 --> 00:50:42.325
for people who are still waiting in line.

1103
00:50:42.325 --> 00:50:45.085
And indeed, uh, we expect that we will continue

1104
00:50:45.205 --> 00:50:47.365
to issue ation licenses, uh, to,

1105
00:50:47.425 --> 00:50:48.885
to meet the wrong behind in the state.

1106
00:50:49.275 --> 00:50:53.245
Okay. Thanks Jen. Alright. Uh, any other questions?

1107
00:50:53.985 --> 00:50:55.165
All right, then I'll call for a vote.

1108
00:50:55.165 --> 00:50:58.525
Um, all in favor of adopting the recommendations, um,

1109
00:50:58.525 --> 00:51:01.525
in this report, uh, signify by saying aye, or show of hands?

1110
00:51:02.385 --> 00:51:05.565
Aye. Aye. All right. Motion carries. Thank you, John.

1111
00:51:06.425 --> 00:51:09.245
And now we move on to the, uh, part of the agenda

1112
00:51:09.245 --> 00:51:11.125
where we get to hear from our esteemed

1113
00:51:11.125 --> 00:51:12.285
executive director and her team.

1114
00:51:14.625 --> 00:51:15.645
Oh, back to John. All right.

1115
00:51:25.745 --> 00:51:28.895
Thank you all very much. Um, I'm, I'm delighted to have,

1116
00:51:29.155 --> 00:51:30.855
uh, my colleague Kevin Brennan,

1117
00:51:30.855 --> 00:51:33.335
who is our new deputy director for market analysis.

1118
00:51:33.595 --> 00:51:35.415
Uh, join us to present, uh,

1119
00:51:35.415 --> 00:51:37.015
the market update for this cycle.

1120
00:51:37.435 --> 00:51:38.775
Um, Kevin is going to be leading

1121
00:51:38.795 --> 00:51:43.135
and is leading, um, the very robust analysis work that we,

1122
00:51:43.155 --> 00:51:44.655
we have been doing, including the

1123
00:51:44.655 --> 00:51:45.895
production of the market report.

1124
00:51:46.355 --> 00:51:48.695
Um, and, you know, this I think is just a,

1125
00:51:48.975 --> 00:51:51.815
a very exciting reflection of continued growth

1126
00:51:52.035 --> 00:51:53.655
of the offices' resources

1127
00:51:53.675 --> 00:51:55.895
and the continued growth of the offices' capabilities

1128
00:51:56.275 --> 00:51:59.135
to ensure that, um, all of our stakeholders, licensees,

1129
00:51:59.185 --> 00:52:01.895
applicants, uh, community members, investors,

1130
00:52:02.995 --> 00:52:06.175
and other partners are, are deeply attuned to, um,

1131
00:52:06.275 --> 00:52:07.855
the evolution of this market.

1132
00:52:08.475 --> 00:52:11.135
Um, so with that, Kevin,

1133
00:52:11.595 --> 00:52:12.595
Thanks, Sean. Uh,

1134
00:52:12.595 --> 00:52:13.455
good morning everyone.

1135
00:52:14.315 --> 00:52:17.535
Uh, so this market update's gonna be broken out into two

1136
00:52:17.765 --> 00:52:19.735
very brief, I promise sections.

1137
00:52:20.275 --> 00:52:21.695
Uh, the first one, uh,

1138
00:52:21.695 --> 00:52:23.775
looking at licensing decisions already made

1139
00:52:23.795 --> 00:52:25.055
and what's still in the pipeline

1140
00:52:25.055 --> 00:52:26.735
for both retailers and cultivators.

1141
00:52:27.115 --> 00:52:28.975
And then the second section is going

1142
00:52:28.975 --> 00:52:29.735
to be the more sales

1143
00:52:30.095 --> 00:52:31.575
oriented analysis that we typically show.

1144
00:52:31.955 --> 00:52:34.735
Uh, please stop me if board has any questions,

1145
00:52:34.995 --> 00:52:36.255
um, as we're going through this.

1146
00:52:37.195 --> 00:52:40.535
All right, next side. Cool. Alright.

1147
00:52:40.635 --> 00:52:44.815
As of June, New York has 409 open dispensaries across all

1148
00:52:44.895 --> 00:52:46.015
ESD regions in the state.

1149
00:52:46.785 --> 00:52:48.335
Based on the population of the state,

1150
00:52:48.435 --> 00:52:50.455
New York right now has one dispensary

1151
00:52:50.455 --> 00:52:52.095
for every roughly 50,000 people.

1152
00:52:52.705 --> 00:52:54.575
These dispensaries have an average sales per store

1153
00:52:54.575 --> 00:52:56.175
of about 3.75 million.

1154
00:52:57.535 --> 00:52:59.725
Store performance does vary by region though,

1155
00:52:59.905 --> 00:53:02.005
so if you look at the graph on the right, uh,

1156
00:53:02.145 --> 00:53:04.165
it plots every region by store density

1157
00:53:04.265 --> 00:53:05.285
and store performance.

1158
00:53:05.825 --> 00:53:08.325
As you can see, regions with more stores relative

1159
00:53:08.325 --> 00:53:10.965
to their population like Western New York, north country,

1160
00:53:11.105 --> 00:53:13.285
and southern tier underperform regions

1161
00:53:13.285 --> 00:53:14.485
with fewer stores relative

1162
00:53:14.485 --> 00:53:17.005
to their population like Mohawk Valley, Bronx,

1163
00:53:17.185 --> 00:53:19.325
Staten Island, and especially Long Island,

1164
00:53:19.375 --> 00:53:21.005
which is getting the Hawaii treatment.

1165
00:53:21.005 --> 00:53:22.165
It's so far away from everybody.

1166
00:53:22.705 --> 00:53:26.405
Um, so this is also true at the state level.

1167
00:53:26.505 --> 00:53:28.605
So you can assume as more stores continue

1168
00:53:28.605 --> 00:53:32.045
to open their doors, that 3.75 million is likely to decline.

1169
00:53:33.865 --> 00:53:38.515
Next slide, please. Uh, as I mentioned on the prior slide,

1170
00:53:38.535 --> 00:53:40.315
New York has 409 open dispensaries,

1171
00:53:40.315 --> 00:53:41.915
but they also have a lot in the pipeline.

1172
00:53:42.225 --> 00:53:44.995
This includes dispensaries that are licensed but not open,

1173
00:53:45.375 --> 00:53:47.595
and dispensaries that are pending a decision from the card

1174
00:53:47.595 --> 00:53:49.435
in November queue, which when you add

1175
00:53:49.435 --> 00:53:52.075
to the open dispensaries, gives us over 1000 potential

1176
00:53:52.075 --> 00:53:53.355
retail locations from the card.

1177
00:53:53.355 --> 00:53:54.395
In November queue alone,

1178
00:53:55.455 --> 00:53:58.315
if you add the roughly 3,600 retail applications from the

1179
00:53:58.435 --> 00:53:59.555
December queue, you'd have roughly

1180
00:53:59.555 --> 00:54:01.315
4,700 potential dispensaries.

1181
00:54:01.935 --> 00:54:03.395
Not everybody will open their doors,

1182
00:54:03.415 --> 00:54:05.075
but this is illustrated in the high end scenario.

1183
00:54:05.175 --> 00:54:06.555
If we review every application

1184
00:54:06.575 --> 00:54:08.715
and everybody who's reviewed opens their doors,

1185
00:54:10.045 --> 00:54:12.875
4,700 locations would give New York one dispensary

1186
00:54:12.875 --> 00:54:15.515
for every almost 4,200 people compared

1187
00:54:15.515 --> 00:54:18.195
to the one per maybe 50,000 from the previous slide.

1188
00:54:19.025 --> 00:54:20.195
This would make New York one

1189
00:54:20.195 --> 00:54:22.675
of the most retail dense markets in the country relative

1190
00:54:22.675 --> 00:54:25.715
to its population, even if 50% of

1191
00:54:25.715 --> 00:54:27.715
that 4,700 wind up opening their doors,

1192
00:54:27.715 --> 00:54:30.195
that still puts us number four among our beer markets.

1193
00:54:32.465 --> 00:54:33.235
Next slide, please.

1194
00:54:37.325 --> 00:54:39.375
Okay, so we talked about retail on the previous slides.

1195
00:54:39.435 --> 00:54:41.535
Now we're going to take a look at cultivation.

1196
00:54:42.165 --> 00:54:44.735
This slide shows how much canopy we have authorized, not

1197
00:54:44.735 --> 00:54:46.575
how much people are utilizing just the maximum

1198
00:54:46.575 --> 00:54:47.615
that they're allowed to grow.

1199
00:54:48.775 --> 00:54:50.325
First, let's look at how much authorized

1200
00:54:50.345 --> 00:54:51.685
canopy has already been approved.

1201
00:54:51.915 --> 00:54:53.765
This is the green bars on the chart on the left.

1202
00:54:54.585 --> 00:54:56.685
In total, 8.1 million square feet

1203
00:54:56.685 --> 00:54:59.285
of canopy have been approved, most of which is outdoor.

1204
00:55:00.145 --> 00:55:02.365
If all 8.1 million square feet are activated,

1205
00:55:02.415 --> 00:55:04.805
which again is the high end, given that some folks aren't

1206
00:55:04.805 --> 00:55:05.965
yet operational and many

1207
00:55:05.965 --> 00:55:08.085
who are operational aren't utilizing a hundred percent

1208
00:55:08.085 --> 00:55:10.645
of their authorization, we would have enough biomass

1209
00:55:10.645 --> 00:55:13.525
to accommodate 183% of next year's retail demand.

1210
00:55:14.225 --> 00:55:16.165
If we exclude the ros who can grow up

1211
00:55:16.165 --> 00:55:18.045
to a hundred thousand square feet of canopy.

1212
00:55:18.425 --> 00:55:20.325
Um, but not all of that will necessarily serve

1213
00:55:20.325 --> 00:55:23.045
as the AU market, and they're not necessarily using all a

1214
00:55:23.045 --> 00:55:24.205
hundred percent of their authorization.

1215
00:55:24.475 --> 00:55:27.365
That number would drop to 130% of next year's demand.

1216
00:55:29.735 --> 00:55:31.275
If we add the canopy not yet approved,

1217
00:55:31.275 --> 00:55:33.595
which is the orange bars, New York could authorize up

1218
00:55:33.595 --> 00:55:36.435
to 14.7 million square feet of canopy, which is enough

1219
00:55:36.435 --> 00:55:38.915
to accommodate five times next year's retail demand,

1220
00:55:39.155 --> 00:55:40.715
assuming everybody who is approved operates

1221
00:55:40.715 --> 00:55:42.795
and utilizes 100% of their authorization.

1222
00:55:43.485 --> 00:55:45.755
Again, this is meant to show the high end scenario,

1223
00:55:45.895 --> 00:55:47.995
but does not, uh, but does illustrate that we have a lot

1224
00:55:47.995 --> 00:55:49.875
of capacity licensed and in our pipeline.

1225
00:55:50.245 --> 00:55:53.475
Kevin, is, uh, is that based on, I'm sorry, the

1226
00:55:54.305 --> 00:55:56.675
current number of retail dispensaries

1227
00:55:56.775 --> 00:56:00.675
or projecting if we were to, like how many are, how are we,

1228
00:56:00.895 --> 00:56:03.195
how are we assuming demand here? What's

1229
00:56:03.195 --> 00:56:04.995
The Um, so it's looking at kind of

1230
00:56:04.995 --> 00:56:07.595
what this year's sales have been, um,

1231
00:56:07.655 --> 00:56:08.755
and the number of stores open

1232
00:56:08.855 --> 00:56:11.155
and projecting that we're opening stores at a similar rate

1233
00:56:11.455 --> 00:56:13.795
to what we have in previously, which is

1234
00:56:13.795 --> 00:56:14.795
Like, what, 25 a month?

1235
00:56:15.495 --> 00:56:16.755
Uh, something like that. Yeah, I think so.

1236
00:56:16.755 --> 00:56:18.875
Like, yeah, on average. Yeah.

1237
00:56:18.985 --> 00:56:19.275
Okay.

1238
00:56:24.275 --> 00:56:26.255
How are we doing on time? We're fine.

1239
00:56:26.255 --> 00:56:29.055
Good. Okay. Cool. Uh, next slide please.

1240
00:56:31.405 --> 00:56:32.945
All right, so now I'll walk through, uh,

1241
00:56:33.045 --> 00:56:34.185
the retail sales trends.

1242
00:56:34.725 --> 00:56:37.785
So program to date, New York now has 1.7 billion in total

1243
00:56:37.785 --> 00:56:40.705
retail sales with almost 700 million coming in 2025.

1244
00:56:41.295 --> 00:56:43.225
Monthly sales have grown month over month

1245
00:56:43.225 --> 00:56:45.225
for five straight months, and June is on pace

1246
00:56:45.225 --> 00:56:46.825
to make it six straight months if it keeps up.

1247
00:56:47.255 --> 00:56:50.105
Monthly growth has flowed though if you look in 2023

1248
00:56:50.105 --> 00:56:51.345
through mid 2024,

1249
00:56:51.395 --> 00:56:53.545
sales were growing at a faster rate than they are now.

1250
00:56:54.425 --> 00:56:55.585
Starting in late 2024.

1251
00:56:55.675 --> 00:56:58.265
Sales while still growing, have begun to plateau a bit.

1252
00:56:58.335 --> 00:57:00.185
It's still going up, but just slower than it was.

1253
00:57:01.535 --> 00:57:06.495
Next slide, please. That plateau is due to sales per store.

1254
00:57:06.495 --> 00:57:09.255
Declining locations continue to open pretty consistently

1255
00:57:09.435 --> 00:57:10.655
as you can see on the green bars,

1256
00:57:10.995 --> 00:57:13.215
but sales per store has declined for nine straight months,

1257
00:57:13.695 --> 00:57:15.095
starting in August of 2024.

1258
00:57:15.405 --> 00:57:17.735
Some good news is this decline seems to be slowing.

1259
00:57:18.205 --> 00:57:20.695
It's still declining, but at a slower rate than it was in

1260
00:57:20.695 --> 00:57:22.895
late 2024 into early 2025.

1261
00:57:24.775 --> 00:57:28.745
Next slide please. Alright, this is the last slide.

1262
00:57:28.885 --> 00:57:31.185
So on this slide we wanted to dig deeper into

1263
00:57:31.185 --> 00:57:32.385
that sales per store decline.

1264
00:57:32.565 --> 00:57:34.585
Uh, the bar on the left shows sales per store from

1265
00:57:34.585 --> 00:57:36.705
August, 2024, which is when that decline began.

1266
00:57:37.485 --> 00:57:39.865
On the right is sales per store from May, 2025,

1267
00:57:39.865 --> 00:57:41.825
which is the last full month of data that we have.

1268
00:57:42.375 --> 00:57:45.185
Over this time, sales per store dropped 32.1%.

1269
00:57:45.965 --> 00:57:46.985
We analyzed three factors

1270
00:57:47.045 --> 00:57:48.825
to understand what's driving that decline.

1271
00:57:49.045 --> 00:57:51.625
The first one is price. The price bar shows

1272
00:57:51.645 --> 00:57:54.305
how much sales per store decline from only changes in price.

1273
00:57:54.845 --> 00:57:56.385
The second is volume per store.

1274
00:57:56.535 --> 00:57:59.145
That bar shows how much sales per store decline only from

1275
00:57:59.145 --> 00:58:01.145
changes in the amount of product being sold in stores.

1276
00:58:02.115 --> 00:58:03.945
Third is product mix with just accounts

1277
00:58:03.945 --> 00:58:05.225
for changes in consumer preference.

1278
00:58:05.325 --> 00:58:07.905
So maybe in one period people were buying more vapes,

1279
00:58:07.905 --> 00:58:09.545
which are maybe like 50 or $60,

1280
00:58:09.605 --> 00:58:11.345
and now people are buying more beverages,

1281
00:58:11.345 --> 00:58:12.505
which are five to $10.

1282
00:58:12.645 --> 00:58:15.185
So it's just to make sure that we're not artificially, um,

1283
00:58:15.945 --> 00:58:17.225
counting things in price or volume,

1284
00:58:17.525 --> 00:58:19.665
but it, it is pretty insignificant on this slide,

1285
00:58:19.665 --> 00:58:21.425
but we did wanna make sure we broke that out.

1286
00:58:22.445 --> 00:58:24.825
Um, the insight here is that both price declines

1287
00:58:24.825 --> 00:58:26.665
and volume declines weight on retailers,

1288
00:58:26.845 --> 00:58:30.305
but volume was most significant, making up about 75% of

1289
00:58:30.305 --> 00:58:34.745
that decline from August to May. Uh, you said,

1290
00:58:34.745 --> 00:58:35.985
Repeat that again. Volume is,

1291
00:58:36.285 --> 00:58:39.105
Volume is responsible for 75%

1292
00:58:39.105 --> 00:58:41.785
of the decline from August to May.

1293
00:58:41.785 --> 00:58:44.345
So stores selling individual stores, selling less product,

1294
00:58:44.605 --> 00:58:46.065
uh, than they were in the previous period.

1295
00:58:46.545 --> 00:58:48.385
Although price weighed a little bit on it, most

1296
00:58:48.385 --> 00:58:49.825
of it was from less product being

1297
00:58:49.825 --> 00:58:50.985
sold in an individual store

1298
00:58:50.985 --> 00:58:52.625
Because of demand. So demand is

1299
00:58:52.625 --> 00:58:54.785
Down, uh, well, demand across the market is up,

1300
00:58:54.845 --> 00:58:56.945
but per store's down. Yeah. And

1301
00:58:56.945 --> 00:58:58.385
That's a function of more stores opening.

1302
00:58:58.385 --> 00:59:00.625
Yeah. So it's the, the kind of market

1303
00:59:00.625 --> 00:59:02.625
that I've been talking about for a while here, which is

1304
00:59:02.685 --> 00:59:07.265
as you, as you increase the number of retail access

1305
00:59:07.265 --> 00:59:09.265
of points within the given community, um,

1306
00:59:09.375 --> 00:59:12.225
then the average sales within that community per store

1307
00:59:12.505 --> 00:59:13.945
to decline, even though the total sales,

1308
00:59:14.125 --> 00:59:15.145
I'm not communicating on this.

1309
00:59:15.685 --> 00:59:17.185
And do you have, I I, I real,

1310
00:59:17.305 --> 00:59:18.505
I don't know that I asked this question.

1311
00:59:18.715 --> 00:59:19.825
We've asked this question before,

1312
00:59:19.845 --> 00:59:21.860
but I don't know if we asked it in preparation for today.

1313
00:59:22.265 --> 00:59:27.205
Do you have, uh, data on how our, uh, our, um, the value

1314
00:59:27.205 --> 00:59:29.005
of our product compares to nearby states?

1315
00:59:29.985 --> 00:59:31.925
Um, we do have, we have some data on that.

1316
00:59:31.925 --> 00:59:33.405
We can look into it a little bit further though,

1317
00:59:33.465 --> 00:59:36.045
and sent it at a future meeting or between meetings.

1318
00:59:36.045 --> 00:59:39.085
Thank you. Sure. The, the last time we looked at it,

1319
00:59:39.385 --> 00:59:42.285
we, we, we hardened to see that New York has, um, some

1320
00:59:42.285 --> 00:59:44.805
of the most kind of compelling price spreads, um,

1321
00:59:44.805 --> 00:59:46.205
between the value categories

1322
00:59:46.205 --> 00:59:47.965
and the premium categories that we've seen in,

1323
00:59:47.965 --> 00:59:49.085
in some value equity markets.

1324
00:59:49.225 --> 00:59:50.405
So, um, there's something

1325
00:59:50.405 --> 00:59:51.845
for everyone in the market at this stage,

1326
00:59:52.025 --> 00:59:55.085
and we've seen a very significant increase in particularly

1327
00:59:55.085 --> 00:59:57.005
value, value categories in the market.

1328
00:59:57.145 --> 00:59:59.085
So, um, pricing is getting quite aggressive.

1329
00:59:59.505 --> 01:00:04.485
Uh, but that is, uh, partly driven by brand existing brands,

1330
01:00:04.485 --> 01:00:06.005
lowering the pricing by pricing,

1331
01:00:06.105 --> 01:00:08.605
but I think actually driven more by new ifferent brands

1332
01:00:08.605 --> 01:00:10.285
who are coming in in value categories.

1333
01:00:10.545 --> 01:00:12.605
Uh, and we're still seeing brands entering at the premium

1334
01:00:12.605 --> 01:00:17.325
under the market, but, uh, the definitely, you know, uh, uh,

1335
01:00:17.995 --> 01:00:19.765
more aggressive pricing happening in the market

1336
01:00:19.785 --> 01:00:21.485
as we're seeing more brands into the space.

1337
01:00:22.905 --> 01:00:25.405
Thanks. Cool. Um, so that's it for me.

1338
01:00:25.445 --> 01:00:26.805
I just wanna make one note to everybody.

1339
01:00:27.025 --> 01:00:30.165
Um, we added an appendix to this month's deck.

1340
01:00:30.225 --> 01:00:31.965
Uh, since the decks posted online,

1341
01:00:31.965 --> 01:00:33.685
we added some more slides, like the regional views

1342
01:00:33.685 --> 01:00:36.205
that we usually show, as well as some supplementary views to

1343
01:00:36.205 --> 01:00:37.245
what I presented today.

1344
01:00:37.585 --> 01:00:39.925
So if anyone's curious, uh, feel free to check them out

1345
01:00:39.925 --> 01:00:41.205
after the meeting when the deck is posted.

1346
01:00:41.465 --> 01:00:42.465
Thanks a lot.

1347
01:00:43.615 --> 01:00:45.165
Thank you. Do we have any, uh, comments,

1348
01:00:45.485 --> 01:00:46.565
questions from the board on the report?

1349
01:00:48.455 --> 01:00:50.435
Uh, yes. Uh, just how,

1350
01:00:50.665 --> 01:00:53.835
looking at the numbers we're seeing now, how does

1351
01:00:54.415 --> 01:00:59.075
you have a sense as to how this impacts consideration of,

1352
01:01:00.255 --> 01:01:03.595
uh, future consideration of licensees, both at the, uh,

1353
01:01:04.435 --> 01:01:06.715
cultivation level and retail in terms of

1354
01:01:06.935 --> 01:01:09.435
how we're making decisions about rolling out these, I mean,

1355
01:01:09.435 --> 01:01:14.035
obviously there, you know, we 480% of growth capacity

1356
01:01:14.415 --> 01:01:18.275
or of, of product, uh, sales, which

1357
01:01:19.355 --> 01:01:21.555
overload the market in dangerous ways,

1358
01:01:21.575 --> 01:01:22.795
but that we're nowhere near that.

1359
01:01:23.055 --> 01:01:25.515
So how, how do we think about this going forward?

1360
01:01:26.545 --> 01:01:28.305
I, I think that's the, that's the billion dollar question.

1361
01:01:28.605 --> 01:01:31.505
Uh, uh, as we think about the outlook

1362
01:01:31.505 --> 01:01:32.625
for licensure in this market,

1363
01:01:32.645 --> 01:01:33.785
and maybe I'd say a couple of things.

1364
01:01:34.125 --> 01:01:37.785
Uh, one is, um, the, the, uh,

1365
01:01:37.785 --> 01:01:39.345
potential license capacity

1366
01:01:39.445 --> 01:01:41.305
or even the, the capacity that has been licensed

1367
01:01:41.445 --> 01:01:44.465
so far already, um, hasn't been fully activated.

1368
01:01:44.525 --> 01:01:47.465
And so I think, uh, it's important to, to give a little bit

1369
01:01:47.465 --> 01:01:50.865
of time to see how the existing licensees, how much

1370
01:01:50.905 --> 01:01:52.585
of their capacity is operationalized.

1371
01:01:52.965 --> 01:01:54.625
Um, so how many actually open their doors?

1372
01:01:54.685 --> 01:01:56.305
And of those who open their doors, how much

1373
01:01:56.305 --> 01:01:57.665
of their canopy do they end up using?

1374
01:01:58.645 --> 01:02:02.785
Um, uh, we're in the process of, uh, deploying, uh, uh, uh,

1375
01:02:02.985 --> 01:02:06.025
a survey for our licensees, uh, particularly

1376
01:02:06.025 --> 01:02:08.225
to capture the new cohort of folks that have been licensed,

1377
01:02:08.485 --> 01:02:10.665
uh, to better understand when they anticipate

1378
01:02:10.665 --> 01:02:11.905
operationalizing what they're

1379
01:02:11.905 --> 01:02:13.025
anticipating bringing to market.

1380
01:02:13.565 --> 01:02:15.905
Um, uh, we would recommend, uh,

1381
01:02:15.905 --> 01:02:18.545
doing another comprehensive market review as we get

1382
01:02:18.545 --> 01:02:21.325
to the end of the year to see how much output we got, um,

1383
01:02:21.395 --> 01:02:22.965
from our current producers

1384
01:02:23.225 --> 01:02:26.725
and how much additional capacity, uh, uh, the market could,

1385
01:02:26.945 --> 01:02:30.565
uh, could, could support moving into 2026 and beyond.

1386
01:02:31.385 --> 01:02:33.685
And critically, I think the non-open rates are going to be,

1387
01:02:34.225 --> 01:02:36.565
uh, uh, a really important determining factor.

1388
01:02:36.595 --> 01:02:38.445
There's a significant amount of the capacity

1389
01:02:38.445 --> 01:02:40.765
that we've licensed that has gone to micro businesses, uh,

1390
01:02:40.765 --> 01:02:43.645
but we have seen, um, uh, quite a long lag in terms

1391
01:02:43.645 --> 01:02:46.045
of micro businesses getting, uh, their doors open.

1392
01:02:46.105 --> 01:02:48.325
And that's partly driven based on the feedback we're hearing

1393
01:02:48.435 --> 01:02:49.965
from the challenges raising capital.

1394
01:02:50.075 --> 01:02:51.965
It's proving to be really tough capital market out there

1395
01:02:52.145 --> 01:02:54.405
for the micros and from micros who are building

1396
01:02:54.465 --> 01:02:55.765
and controlled environments.

1397
01:02:56.285 --> 01:02:58.245
Building an indoor facility can run you a couple million

1398
01:02:58.245 --> 01:03:00.565
bucks, uh, which, which can be difficult to raise.

1399
01:03:00.905 --> 01:03:04.125
Um, so we'll be, we'll be monitoring very closely the,

1400
01:03:04.465 --> 01:03:06.045
the kind of emergence

1401
01:03:06.045 --> 01:03:07.885
of our licensees through the end of the year.

1402
01:03:07.945 --> 01:03:09.885
We can, uh, we'll continue to update the board.

1403
01:03:10.025 --> 01:03:13.725
Uh, uh, we'll provide another very substantial update, uh,

1404
01:03:13.725 --> 01:03:15.765
on how much capacity has been activated, uh,

1405
01:03:15.785 --> 01:03:17.725
and how many licenses have become operational.

1406
01:03:17.945 --> 01:03:20.925
And I think that can be used to inform, um, how much more

1407
01:03:21.725 --> 01:03:24.085
capacity we will need to, to license, um,

1408
01:03:24.185 --> 01:03:25.645
or we can license moving forward.

1409
01:03:26.185 --> 01:03:28.925
Um, as it currently stands, I think we, we are in agreement

1410
01:03:28.985 --> 01:03:31.725
to, to, uh, continue to issue kind

1411
01:03:31.725 --> 01:03:33.605
of licenses prioritizing retail.

1412
01:03:34.025 --> 01:03:37.045
Uh, but, uh, the goal here will be to, to, um,

1413
01:03:37.065 --> 01:03:39.325
really monitor how we perform through the sec

1414
01:03:39.325 --> 01:03:42.045
through the third and fourth quarter, uh, and take stock.

1415
01:03:42.045 --> 01:03:43.605
Given how many new licenses have been

1416
01:03:43.605 --> 01:03:44.725
issued that aren't yet operational.

1417
01:03:45.865 --> 01:03:49.525
Do you have a, a, a sense of, um, how long it's a,

1418
01:03:49.545 --> 01:03:51.005
how long it's taking licensees?

1419
01:03:51.125 --> 01:03:52.605
I mean, you might might've said this earlier, apologies.

1420
01:03:52.905 --> 01:03:54.965
How long have seeking licensees to become operational

1421
01:03:55.105 --> 01:03:57.565
and what the, what the, I don't wanna call it success,

1422
01:03:57.665 --> 01:03:59.085
but what's the completion?

1423
01:03:59.085 --> 01:04:01.565
Like, how, what rate of our provisional licensees are

1424
01:04:01.765 --> 01:04:04.525
actually opening doors within the expected timeframe?

1425
01:04:05.665 --> 01:04:08.085
So we're working through that, that data as we speak, and

1426
01:04:08.395 --> 01:04:10.005
because we've been on, you know,

1427
01:04:10.085 --> 01:04:11.405
and kudos to the licensing team for,

1428
01:04:11.405 --> 01:04:14.605
for being on such tier over the last, uh, uh, six months.

1429
01:04:15.065 --> 01:04:18.445
Um, we don't yet have a full kind of cycle to be able

1430
01:04:18.445 --> 01:04:21.565
to assess how many of the folks who, um, are newly licensed,

1431
01:04:21.565 --> 01:04:23.965
particularly around, among the over 200 microbusinesses

1432
01:04:23.965 --> 01:04:26.725
that have been licensed, um, have opened or will open.

1433
01:04:27.185 --> 01:04:30.485
Uh, you know, the, there's the, the lag is going to be long.

1434
01:04:30.485 --> 01:04:32.765
So any, you know, basically the folks

1435
01:04:32.765 --> 01:04:34.525
who are licensed at the beginning of this year will have

1436
01:04:34.525 --> 01:04:36.445
through the end of the year to get their doors open.

1437
01:04:36.985 --> 01:04:40.965
Um, uh, we, we have been estimating, uh, that

1438
01:04:41.865 --> 01:04:45.405
all net in, there'll be a 30 to 35% ballpark, uh,

1439
01:04:45.485 --> 01:04:47.765
non-open rate, but, um, it's still too early

1440
01:04:47.765 --> 01:04:48.805
to say that defendant took that.

1441
01:04:52.655 --> 01:04:55.355
Uh, member Knight, member Rodriguez, dne, do you have any

1442
01:04:56.325 --> 01:04:57.915
additional questions or comments?

1443
01:05:00.405 --> 01:05:01.705
So, um,

1444
01:05:02.365 --> 01:05:05.065
and you said, I think Pat May might have told us earlier

1445
01:05:05.285 --> 01:05:08.425
the, to get through the November queue, how long,

1446
01:05:08.525 --> 01:05:11.425
how long do you estimate Will, will take us to,

1447
01:05:11.425 --> 01:05:12.505
to get through that cohort?

1448
01:05:14.455 --> 01:05:18.005
Yeah, so, um, we still have, uh,

1449
01:05:19.635 --> 01:05:21.285
several hundred licenses to get

1450
01:05:21.285 --> 01:05:22.325
through in the November queue.

1451
01:05:22.325 --> 01:05:24.525
There's some that have been, uh, currently touched,

1452
01:05:24.665 --> 01:05:25.685
uh, that are in process.

1453
01:05:25.865 --> 01:05:27.765
And then, uh, there's the issue,

1454
01:05:27.765 --> 01:05:29.485
which we've talked about in the last board meetings

1455
01:05:29.485 --> 01:05:33.445
for the November, uh, queue litigation, uh, in which, uh,

1456
01:05:33.905 --> 01:05:38.885
the, uh, applicants have licensees have sued for, uh,

1457
01:05:39.205 --> 01:05:41.885
a second and third license within that November queue.

1458
01:05:42.345 --> 01:05:45.565
Um, if, uh, the combination of the timeline required

1459
01:05:45.565 --> 01:05:48.445
to review the remaining, um, um, applications

1460
01:05:48.445 --> 01:05:50.765
that have already been touched, been begun in our process,

1461
01:05:51.225 --> 01:05:55.765
uh, plus any additional, uh, uh, re-review of applicants for

1462
01:05:55.765 --> 01:05:58.005
that second and third license, uh, that's likely going

1463
01:05:58.005 --> 01:05:59.525
to be at least a four to six month process.

1464
01:05:59.785 --> 01:06:02.245
So, realistically, at the pace at which we are going,

1465
01:06:02.395 --> 01:06:04.125
it's gonna take us through the end of the year to get

1466
01:06:04.125 --> 01:06:05.685
through the remaining November queue

1467
01:06:05.685 --> 01:06:07.485
before we even begin the December queue.

1468
01:06:07.485 --> 01:06:08.565
And, you know, we are going to have

1469
01:06:08.565 --> 01:06:09.925
to complete the November queue

1470
01:06:09.925 --> 01:06:11.765
before we begin the December queue.

1471
01:06:11.915 --> 01:06:14.045
Okay. At least for, for retail.

1472
01:06:14.505 --> 01:06:15.805
Um, the, the,

1473
01:06:15.815 --> 01:06:18.765
there are supply side licenses within the de December queue

1474
01:06:18.825 --> 01:06:22.485
and, um, uh, you know, those, the,

1475
01:06:22.485 --> 01:06:23.605
the supply side licenses

1476
01:06:23.605 --> 01:06:24.765
are moving a little bit differently.

1477
01:06:24.825 --> 01:06:27.165
So those, uh, we, we can be issuing, uh,

1478
01:06:27.165 --> 01:06:29.365
but the priority is to continue to issue,

1479
01:06:29.625 --> 01:06:34.325
or we suggest that the priority continue to be

1480
01:06:34.325 --> 01:06:36.925
to re issue retail licenses given the amount

1481
01:06:36.925 --> 01:06:38.165
of capacity that's been activated.

1482
01:06:38.225 --> 01:06:39.565
So we don't end up with imbalance

1483
01:06:39.565 --> 01:06:42.245
that we faced two years ago where we had a lot of production

1484
01:06:42.465 --> 01:06:43.645
and, and not enough cell-free

1485
01:06:43.645 --> 01:06:44.645
Channels. Yeah. And that is

1486
01:06:44.645 --> 01:06:45.885
a concern, and we need to see how the,

1487
01:06:46.305 --> 01:06:50.445
the Grower showcase also, um, get implemented

1488
01:06:50.445 --> 01:06:52.045
and how successful they are now

1489
01:06:52.045 --> 01:06:53.325
that they can do that year round.

1490
01:06:55.105 --> 01:06:59.555
Um, so it sounds like we, yeah,

1491
01:06:59.555 --> 01:07:02.555
we encourage you to continue processing this.

1492
01:07:02.715 --> 01:07:04.475
I guess, you know, there's no reason to slow down the supply

1493
01:07:04.475 --> 01:07:07.395
side on the, on the December queue mm-hmm.

1494
01:07:07.615 --> 01:07:08.835
Um, at this rate. Yep.

1495
01:07:09.055 --> 01:07:12.355
Um, you'll get us a market analysis in the fall

1496
01:07:12.815 --> 01:07:13.915
to let us know how we're doing,

1497
01:07:13.915 --> 01:07:15.115
and I understand we'll have more,

1498
01:07:15.235 --> 01:07:16.595
a lot more robust data by then.

1499
01:07:17.275 --> 01:07:19.235
Absolutely. Um, and, uh,

1500
01:07:19.235 --> 01:07:20.875
and then continue prioritizing retail.

1501
01:07:20.875 --> 01:07:24.045
Are we, we're good with that. Right? All right.

1502
01:07:24.625 --> 01:07:25.725
So stay tuned, everyone.

1503
01:07:25.995 --> 01:07:29.205
Hopefully by the, by the fall we'll have more clarity of,

1504
01:07:29.425 --> 01:07:32.205
um, when we'll officially opening the December

1505
01:07:32.365 --> 01:07:33.605
Q4 for retail.

1506
01:07:35.445 --> 01:07:37.905
All right. Um, I guess continue on

1507
01:07:37.905 --> 01:07:39.305
with your report. Mm-hmm. Yeah.

1508
01:07:39.965 --> 01:07:43.705
So next we have, uh, Julius coming up for the C update,

1509
01:07:43.705 --> 01:07:45.865
and then I'm gonna take care of the Trade Practice Bureau.

1510
01:07:50.595 --> 01:07:51.595
Thank you, Julius.

1511
01:07:54.495 --> 01:07:57.265
Alright. Thank you everyone. Uh, good morning.

1512
01:07:57.645 --> 01:08:00.105
Uh, today we will be, my name is Julius nda, uh,

1513
01:08:00.375 --> 01:08:02.665
working in social economic equity c firm team

1514
01:08:02.725 --> 01:08:04.665
for the Office of Cannabis Management.

1515
01:08:04.665 --> 01:08:08.065
Today, we will be having our social eco and economic equity

1516
01:08:08.575 --> 01:08:09.575
Updated.

1517
01:08:12.335 --> 01:08:16.645
Okay. This is the fee status, uh, for today's, uh,

1518
01:08:16.765 --> 01:08:17.765
licenses issued.

1519
01:08:18.095 --> 01:08:22.485
47% of adult use licenses issued today are c owned

1520
01:08:23.265 --> 01:08:24.525
of those licenses.

1521
01:08:24.825 --> 01:08:28.955
Um, 68% are minority owned businesses.

1522
01:08:29.485 --> 01:08:31.675
48% are women-owned businesses.

1523
01:08:31.815 --> 01:08:35.875
12%, uh, are from communities disproportionately impacted.

1524
01:08:36.165 --> 01:08:38.595
8% are service disabled veterans

1525
01:08:39.095 --> 01:08:40.955
and 8% are distressed farmers.

1526
01:08:41.735 --> 01:08:45.195
Uh, please note licenses may be counted multiple times if

1527
01:08:45.195 --> 01:08:47.275
they are approved for multiple types of seed categories.

1528
01:08:47.275 --> 01:08:51.845
Just wanna have that note. Uh, next slide please. Okay.

1529
01:08:51.845 --> 01:08:53.725
These are our C stats.

1530
01:08:53.725 --> 01:08:56.885
Since the inception of the adult use program, 56%

1531
01:08:56.885 --> 01:08:59.525
of all adult use licenses issued are c owned.

1532
01:09:00.185 --> 01:09:04.645
Um, of those, uh, 47% are minority owned businesses.

1533
01:09:04.735 --> 01:09:06.845
57% are women-owned businesses.

1534
01:09:07.565 --> 01:09:11.605
14% are CDI, uh, 7% are services disabled veterans

1535
01:09:12.185 --> 01:09:14.365
and 7% are distressed farmers.

1536
01:09:15.145 --> 01:09:16.205
Uh, once again, please know,

1537
01:09:16.205 --> 01:09:17.725
licenses may be counted multiple times,

1538
01:09:17.945 --> 01:09:19.125
uh, as in the previous slide.

1539
01:09:19.705 --> 01:09:21.125
Uh, next slide please. Alright,

1540
01:09:21.145 --> 01:09:23.605
and now we have our c across the supply chain numbers.

1541
01:09:24.345 --> 01:09:26.325
Um, you know, equity is represented

1542
01:09:26.325 --> 01:09:27.685
throughout all license types.

1543
01:09:27.865 --> 01:09:31.365
So 38% of our adult use cultivators are, uh,

1544
01:09:31.745 --> 01:09:33.605
are c 50% of our adult use.

1545
01:09:33.605 --> 01:09:37.965
Processors are C Uh, 46% of our adult use distributors are c

1546
01:09:38.385 --> 01:09:41.645
as well as 59% of our adult use with micro businesses are C.

1547
01:09:41.785 --> 01:09:44.485
And, uh, last but certainly not least, uh, 79%

1548
01:09:44.485 --> 01:09:49.205
of our retail dispensaries are c Uh, next slide please.

1549
01:09:50.025 --> 01:09:52.725
And now we just wanna talk about our card grant program.

1550
01:09:53.385 --> 01:09:57.925
Um, so currently, uh, our grant applications are closed, uh,

1551
01:09:57.985 --> 01:10:00.525
227 applications were received.

1552
01:10:01.105 --> 01:10:03.885
Uh, of those 159 and total will be funded.

1553
01:10:04.395 --> 01:10:08.005
Currently 52 awardees have received funding so far, um,

1554
01:10:08.025 --> 01:10:12.205
at about 1.5 $57 million, four, five, $7 million.

1555
01:10:12.865 --> 01:10:16.165
An additional 107 applicants have been approved.

1556
01:10:16.825 --> 01:10:18.725
Um, applicants received approval notice

1557
01:10:18.785 --> 01:10:21.965
and will be prompted by our, uh, grant administrator forward

1558
01:10:22.025 --> 01:10:23.925
to send banking info this month.

1559
01:10:24.545 --> 01:10:28.805
Um, 59 of those were denied, um, due

1560
01:10:28.805 --> 01:10:30.045
to funds being exhausted.

1561
01:10:30.505 --> 01:10:33.965
Uh, seven denied due to denied were due to ineligibility,

1562
01:10:34.465 --> 01:10:38.885
uh, non-active parts and two denied due to unresponsiveness.

1563
01:10:39.905 --> 01:10:44.605
Um, that is in, I guess I will conclude the, uh,

1564
01:10:45.545 --> 01:10:48.325
see update, unless anybody has any questions', be happy

1565
01:10:48.325 --> 01:10:50.925
to answer any, any questions from the board.

1566
01:10:52.825 --> 01:10:57.565
Um, just the, the percentage this time lower, was

1567
01:10:57.565 --> 01:10:59.365
that based on the kind of applicants

1568
01:10:59.365 --> 01:11:01.245
that this time in terms of

1569
01:11:02.105 --> 01:11:03.525
The percentage of the, of c

1570
01:11:03.665 --> 01:11:04.965
The applicants as a,

1571
01:11:05.385 --> 01:11:09.565
the 47% was lower than we've had in recent months

1572
01:11:09.625 --> 01:11:11.125
and lower than our overall figure.

1573
01:11:11.265 --> 01:11:12.725
So just curious if this

1574
01:11:12.725 --> 01:11:14.205
Is hopefully not a trend,

1575
01:11:14.265 --> 01:11:16.685
but just, uh, based on the kinds of licenses

1576
01:11:16.685 --> 01:11:18.285
that were approved or, yeah.

1577
01:11:18.425 --> 01:11:21.125
Um, I believe, I believe, I don't think it's a trend.

1578
01:11:21.205 --> 01:11:23.325
I think it's just based on the licenses that were approved

1579
01:11:23.325 --> 01:11:24.765
for this, for this month's board meeting.

1580
01:11:26.685 --> 01:11:27.805
A good flag word question. Well,

1581
01:11:27.805 --> 01:11:29.165
We're also getting to the end of the queue

1582
01:11:29.165 --> 01:11:32.325
and we had prioritized the lottery assignments

1583
01:11:32.465 --> 01:11:34.685
to prioritize the applicants, so we are gonna see less,

1584
01:11:34.705 --> 01:11:36.445
see applicants at the end of the queue,

1585
01:11:36.535 --> 01:11:38.245
Uhhuh right in the November cohort.

1586
01:11:38.635 --> 01:11:40.485
Yeah. Thank you. It's a great point. Yeah.

1587
01:11:41.635 --> 01:11:43.645
Hopefully we'll even that out with the December queue.

1588
01:11:44.645 --> 01:11:47.525
Absolutely. Absolutely. Um, any additional questions?

1589
01:11:48.455 --> 01:11:50.165
Thank you. All right, thank you so much.

1590
01:11:50.475 --> 01:11:51.965
Have a good day. Thank

1591
01:11:51.965 --> 01:11:52.965
You, Julius.

1592
01:11:54.505 --> 01:11:56.005
All right, so I'm gonna speak really quickly

1593
01:11:56.025 --> 01:11:57.165
on the Trade Practice Bureau.

1594
01:11:57.235 --> 01:12:01.905
Next slide. So

1595
01:12:02.985 --> 01:12:06.385
I will say for just my experience working with both Steve

1596
01:12:06.405 --> 01:12:09.225
and Jim, uh, who does compliance

1597
01:12:09.225 --> 01:12:10.545
and trade practice respectively,

1598
01:12:10.775 --> 01:12:12.345
that I have learned quite a lot about

1599
01:12:12.345 --> 01:12:13.745
what is happening in this industry.

1600
01:12:13.965 --> 01:12:16.105
And so right now, the trade practice team,

1601
01:12:16.965 --> 01:12:20.185
Oh God, Whoever's

1602
01:12:21.215 --> 01:12:23.985
Someone's Thank you. Yeah,

1603
01:12:23.985 --> 01:12:24.985
Yeah. Don't just throw it out the room,

1604
01:12:24.985 --> 01:12:25.465
whatever you want.

1605
01:12:25.465 --> 01:12:30.225
There's, So right now the Trade Practice

1606
01:12:30.225 --> 01:12:34.705
Bureau has, uh, several investigations open, um, coming out

1607
01:12:34.705 --> 01:12:37.945
of some initial work we did a couple months ago around, uh,

1608
01:12:38.115 --> 01:12:40.385
processors, uh, and, uh, labs.

1609
01:12:40.845 --> 01:12:45.185
So I will say for folks who have, uh, been part of informing

1610
01:12:45.185 --> 01:12:47.665
that work, um, I just wanna remind you

1611
01:12:47.665 --> 01:12:50.585
that if you do contact the Trade Practice Bureau, that,

1612
01:12:50.855 --> 01:12:52.425
that, that commentary, that work,

1613
01:12:52.425 --> 01:12:54.945
that engagement is strictly confidential.

1614
01:12:54.945 --> 01:12:57.065
And so we appreciate folks who have come forward to sort

1615
01:12:57.065 --> 01:12:59.825
of give the Trade Practice Bureau team the scope

1616
01:12:59.825 --> 01:13:01.905
of information about what they know is going on

1617
01:13:01.905 --> 01:13:05.225
and the issues across the market, um, highlighting

1618
01:13:05.365 --> 01:13:07.225
of course, inversion, which relates to the,

1619
01:13:07.285 --> 01:13:09.625
we recall this morning, as well as license stacking,

1620
01:13:09.785 --> 01:13:13.105
TPI violations, cross tier, and undue influences.

1621
01:13:13.105 --> 01:13:14.785
Those are all part of the cases

1622
01:13:14.815 --> 01:13:17.305
that the Trade Practice Bureau is looking into.

1623
01:13:18.005 --> 01:13:19.865
Um, the process, of course, I've mentioned tips,

1624
01:13:19.925 --> 01:13:22.985
and we get tips from many, many sources, uh,

1625
01:13:23.555 --> 01:13:24.865
often very late at night.

1626
01:13:25.445 --> 01:13:27.905
Um, and also we're doing witness interviews.

1627
01:13:28.005 --> 01:13:29.465
Uh, next week we are, are scheduled

1628
01:13:29.465 --> 01:13:31.705
to do our phone first under Oath, the deposition.

1629
01:13:32.085 --> 01:13:34.465
And so that is particularly exciting for the Bureau

1630
01:13:35.125 --> 01:13:37.585
as a matter of staffing, I am glad to announce

1631
01:13:37.585 --> 01:13:38.625
that that staffing is growing.

1632
01:13:38.685 --> 01:13:40.625
We have brought on board a deputy director

1633
01:13:40.625 --> 01:13:43.305
for the Trade Practice Bureau, Shoshana Brown, uh,

1634
01:13:43.305 --> 01:13:45.865
who has incredible investigative in experience,

1635
01:13:45.925 --> 01:13:49.705
so looking forward to bringing in her, uh, experience

1636
01:13:49.725 --> 01:13:51.345
to grow the team and grow the work.

1637
01:13:52.005 --> 01:13:53.425
Um, and of course, you know,

1638
01:13:53.425 --> 01:13:55.985
we've had several case settlements both, uh, historically

1639
01:13:55.985 --> 01:13:58.385
and pending, uh, particularly around, um,

1640
01:13:58.385 --> 01:14:01.585
inappropriate white labeling of, of brands and licensees.

1641
01:14:02.165 --> 01:14:05.905
Um, and so with that, what I do wanna just underscore is

1642
01:14:05.905 --> 01:14:07.225
that this is the kind of work

1643
01:14:07.225 --> 01:14:09.225
that this office takes incredibly seriously.

1644
01:14:09.745 --> 01:14:10.825
I love accountability.

1645
01:14:11.065 --> 01:14:14.805
And so as the, as folks are moving through this work, uh,

1646
01:14:14.885 --> 01:14:17.405
I know there's a lot of questions about when the office

1647
01:14:17.715 --> 01:14:20.005
will, you know, make larger moves

1648
01:14:20.065 --> 01:14:21.885
to hold licensees accountable.

1649
01:14:21.895 --> 01:14:24.165
Again, my perspective is always due diligence

1650
01:14:24.165 --> 01:14:27.565
because I understand that this body of law,

1651
01:14:27.635 --> 01:14:29.765
this work is novel in the state of New York,

1652
01:14:29.825 --> 01:14:31.525
not just the state of New York, but nationally.

1653
01:14:31.545 --> 01:14:34.685
We are one of the very few jurisdictions with such a bureau.

1654
01:14:35.265 --> 01:14:37.845
And so in that we also recognize that a lot

1655
01:14:37.845 --> 01:14:39.805
of these cases are gonna be the first of their kind.

1656
01:14:40.025 --> 01:14:41.165
And my preference

1657
01:14:41.305 --> 01:14:43.965
and demand is that when we bring these cases forward

1658
01:14:44.185 --> 01:14:46.205
for either an administrative review

1659
01:14:46.465 --> 01:14:49.205
or potentially prosecution, they are perfect.

1660
01:14:49.985 --> 01:14:53.165
Um, so just letting folks know that the work is ongoing

1661
01:14:53.265 --> 01:14:56.045
and please appreciate your, your support and collaboration,

1662
01:14:56.045 --> 01:14:57.885
but also your patience as we work through all of this.

1663
01:14:58.985 --> 01:15:01.925
So I'm said any questions, but I can. Alright.

1664
01:15:02.625 --> 01:15:04.565
Um, I think that is it for the office.

1665
01:15:04.705 --> 01:15:07.445
One thing I just wanna say is this is John

1666
01:15:07.985 --> 01:15:09.365
K's last meeting for a little minute.

1667
01:15:09.745 --> 01:15:12.525
Uh, he is expecting twins and we will see him.

1668
01:15:17.655 --> 01:15:19.365
We're all very excited to babysit.

1669
01:15:19.825 --> 01:15:24.485
Uh, but, uh, you know, we so appreciate the work

1670
01:15:24.485 --> 01:15:25.565
that you and the energy

1671
01:15:25.565 --> 01:15:27.485
that you've put into the team and building the team.

1672
01:15:27.505 --> 01:15:31.725
We will miss you in your absence, but we got it. All right.

1673
01:15:31.825 --> 01:15:34.285
Uh, I think now is public comment and we are action.

1674
01:15:34.575 --> 01:15:35.725
There were no questions from the

1675
01:15:35.725 --> 01:15:36.885
board on the, oh, any questions

1676
01:15:37.105 --> 01:15:38.205
On the Trade Practice Bureau?

1677
01:15:38.435 --> 01:15:40.685
Okay. All right. Thank you so much, Felicia.

1678
01:15:41.545 --> 01:15:45.285
Um, so, uh, now we are going to, uh,

1679
01:15:45.285 --> 01:15:46.805
begin the public commenting period.

1680
01:15:47.185 --> 01:15:50.765
Um, just a reminder, the board is not answering the board

1681
01:15:50.765 --> 01:15:52.565
or the agency is not answering questions.

1682
01:15:53.145 --> 01:15:56.565
Um, but we certainly welcome any member of the public

1683
01:15:56.565 --> 01:15:58.725
to take this opportunity to share your thoughts, each member

1684
01:15:58.745 --> 01:16:00.965
of the public, um, addressing the board.

1685
01:16:01.455 --> 01:16:03.125
We'll have no more than two minutes

1686
01:16:03.305 --> 01:16:04.805
to speak on agenda items.

1687
01:16:04.945 --> 01:16:07.365
And we do have a timekeeper, who's our timekeeper.

1688
01:16:08.795 --> 01:16:11.095
All right. Asia's our timekeeper, so please look to Asia

1689
01:16:11.095 --> 01:16:12.775
to know when you're close to, um,

1690
01:16:12.785 --> 01:16:14.095
close to your two minute mark.

1691
01:16:14.715 --> 01:16:18.295
Um, and, um, reminder, we have to be at here by one 30,

1692
01:16:18.355 --> 01:16:20.055
and we did have a lot of folks sign up.

1693
01:16:20.155 --> 01:16:24.095
So, um, you can always submit your comments virtually, uh,

1694
01:16:24.155 --> 01:16:25.575
if we don't make it to you.

1695
01:16:26.235 --> 01:16:27.375
Um, our first speaker,

1696
01:16:27.855 --> 01:16:29.975
I believe is Assembly member Grace Lee.

1697
01:16:30.555 --> 01:16:31.615
Is she still here?

1698
01:16:32.725 --> 01:16:36.215
Yeah, sure. Okay. Did you wanna speak? Yeah. Wonderful.

1699
01:16:36.215 --> 01:16:37.215
Yeah, if you could come to the mic.

1700
01:16:43.295 --> 01:16:44.625
Good morning. Uh, thank you

1701
01:16:44.625 --> 01:16:46.025
for the opportunity to speak today.

1702
01:16:46.045 --> 01:16:47.905
My name is Garrett and I'm here on behalf

1703
01:16:47.905 --> 01:16:50.985
of Assembly member Gracely, who represents Lower Manhattan

1704
01:16:51.485 --> 01:16:54.065
and works closely with Community Board one.

1705
01:16:55.515 --> 01:16:56.915
Stevie One has been on the front lines

1706
01:16:56.975 --> 01:16:58.155
of the cannabis rollout,

1707
01:16:58.335 --> 01:17:00.955
and while they continue to support dispensary applicants in

1708
01:17:00.955 --> 01:17:03.235
good faith, they have a serious concern with

1709
01:17:03.235 --> 01:17:05.515
how the 500 foot rule is being applied

1710
01:17:06.135 --> 01:17:07.955
or more accurately misapplied.

1711
01:17:08.695 --> 01:17:09.965
The cannabis law is clear.

1712
01:17:10.385 --> 01:17:13.565
Retail dispensaries are not to be located within 500 feet

1713
01:17:13.565 --> 01:17:16.445
of school grounds as defined by the education law,

1714
01:17:16.735 --> 01:17:18.685
which includes not just the school building,

1715
01:17:19.025 --> 01:17:20.725
but entrances, exits,

1716
01:17:20.745 --> 01:17:22.525
and the surrounding grounds within the legal

1717
01:17:22.925 --> 01:17:24.165
property, uh, boundaries.

1718
01:17:24.945 --> 01:17:26.245
Yet in practice, the Office

1719
01:17:26.245 --> 01:17:29.725
of Cannabis Management has adopted additional criteria such

1720
01:17:29.725 --> 01:17:34.245
as quote unquote exclusive use and quote unquote, same road.

1721
01:17:34.815 --> 01:17:36.445
These qualifiers are more narrow

1722
01:17:36.505 --> 01:17:39.125
and have allowed dispensaries to be cited dangerously closed

1723
01:17:39.125 --> 01:17:41.765
to schools, including in some cases the same building.

1724
01:17:43.005 --> 01:17:46.025
CV one has submitted comments, met with OCM staff

1725
01:17:46.085 --> 01:17:47.705
and flagged specific examples,

1726
01:17:47.935 --> 01:17:51.585
including a dispensary site on Hudson Street, just 350 feet

1727
01:17:52.135 --> 01:17:53.345
away from two schools

1728
01:17:53.835 --> 01:17:57.025
where the law was not enforced as intended.

1729
01:17:57.845 --> 01:18:00.745
The community board also continues to be concerned

1730
01:18:00.895 --> 01:18:04.545
that proximity protections do not apply to court licensees

1731
01:18:05.215 --> 01:18:07.465
when it comes to youth facilities and playgrounds.

1732
01:18:08.105 --> 01:18:10.705
A carve out that the board respectfully believes, needs

1733
01:18:10.705 --> 01:18:11.705
to be reexamined.

1734
01:18:12.545 --> 01:18:14.345
Assembly member Lee shares these concerns

1735
01:18:14.345 --> 01:18:17.775
and urges the Cannabis Control Board to ensure

1736
01:18:17.775 --> 01:18:19.135
that regulations reflect the letter

1737
01:18:19.135 --> 01:18:20.135
and the spirit off the law.

1738
01:18:20.555 --> 01:18:22.735
We ask that the Cannabis Control Board work more

1739
01:18:22.895 --> 01:18:25.975
collaboratively, collaboratively with community boards

1740
01:18:26.325 --> 01:18:28.335
that know their communities intimately,

1741
01:18:28.385 --> 01:18:30.255
their recommendations should be respected

1742
01:18:30.255 --> 01:18:32.175
and taken seriously while considering licenses.

1743
01:18:32.515 --> 01:18:34.855
The same thing and wellbeing of our children must remain our

1744
01:18:35.095 --> 01:18:37.135
priority as the cannabis industry grows in our communities.

1745
01:18:37.135 --> 01:18:38.175
Thank you. Thank

1746
01:18:38.175 --> 01:18:39.175
You.

1747
01:18:39.755 --> 01:18:41.895
Um, next up will be Hugo Riva,

1748
01:18:41.915 --> 01:18:46.055
and if Josh could line up to go next.

1749
01:18:50.985 --> 01:18:55.285
1, 2, 1, 2. Um, Started. Ready.

1750
01:18:55.535 --> 01:18:57.685
Thank you. Um, thank you very much to the OCM staff,

1751
01:18:58.305 --> 01:19:00.165
to the Cannabis Control Board staff.

1752
01:19:00.965 --> 01:19:02.405
Um, they get to Felicia Reed

1753
01:19:02.465 --> 01:19:03.965
and Jermaine for all the work they have done,

1754
01:19:04.785 --> 01:19:07.765
and we welcome in and we welcome Jessica Garcia

1755
01:19:08.025 --> 01:19:11.405
and Simone Washington Organiza.

1756
01:19:11.425 --> 01:19:13.285
Um, we also wanna shout out organizations

1757
01:19:13.285 --> 01:19:14.925
that are making a big difference in New York cannabis

1758
01:19:15.245 --> 01:19:18.525
industry, like Can and, um, the Cannabis Read Tour Alliance

1759
01:19:18.525 --> 01:19:21.245
of New York, my guy Jeremy, big applause to him.

1760
01:19:21.865 --> 01:19:24.285
And, um, the Long Island Cannabis Coalition, obviously.

1761
01:19:25.225 --> 01:19:26.365
Um, so we're here

1762
01:19:26.365 --> 01:19:27.765
to talk about a little bit about Long Island.

1763
01:19:27.985 --> 01:19:30.645
Um, we're asking for, um, we've been asking for your help.

1764
01:19:31.185 --> 01:19:32.565
We need opinion letters, right?

1765
01:19:32.565 --> 01:19:34.725
We've been asking for the opinion letters for a while.

1766
01:19:35.225 --> 01:19:38.645
We have so many cases right now that we need

1767
01:19:38.645 --> 01:19:39.925
to pending letters in order to proceed.

1768
01:19:40.105 --> 01:19:42.045
The, the towns over there, they're, they're, they're,

1769
01:19:42.045 --> 01:19:43.405
they're imposing their own regulations.

1770
01:19:43.405 --> 01:19:45.365
They're not following what the state is asking for,

1771
01:19:45.905 --> 01:19:48.085
and it's really, uh, obviously causing

1772
01:19:48.225 --> 01:19:50.925
so many difficulties financially and,

1773
01:19:51.145 --> 01:19:52.765
and many other things, um, with the, with the,

1774
01:19:52.765 --> 01:19:53.845
with the licensees on Long Island.

1775
01:19:54.225 --> 01:19:55.445
So we need full support.

1776
01:19:55.625 --> 01:19:58.045
You know, we, the Long Island campus coalitions have

1777
01:19:58.045 --> 01:20:00.565
to do a lot of work to kind of make that happen,

1778
01:20:00.745 --> 01:20:02.245
but we are just a little bit of people.

1779
01:20:02.385 --> 01:20:05.205
We have a little bit of funds and we have a big heart,

1780
01:20:05.305 --> 01:20:06.565
but, you know, we need help.

1781
01:20:07.545 --> 01:20:09.725
Um, that's the opinion of this.

1782
01:20:09.785 --> 01:20:13.085
Uh, also we wanna mention that we need support, um,

1783
01:20:13.625 --> 01:20:15.405
for the cultivators and the Michaels out there.

1784
01:20:15.865 --> 01:20:18.125
The other ones that are really the true people, the ones

1785
01:20:18.125 --> 01:20:19.885
that have been, you know, the cannabis that they bringing

1786
01:20:19.905 --> 01:20:22.805
to the market, the, uh, the Michaels or the legacy people.

1787
01:20:23.275 --> 01:20:24.805
They just deserve chance to be in the market.

1788
01:20:25.185 --> 01:20:26.685
So we really wanna have more of

1789
01:20:26.685 --> 01:20:28.085
that real, true New York stuff.

1790
01:20:28.225 --> 01:20:30.925
Too many Ros, too many, you know, some of that, too much of

1791
01:20:30.925 --> 01:20:32.965
that flour and their products are out there

1792
01:20:33.265 --> 01:20:35.405
and they're killing the little brands prices.

1793
01:20:35.665 --> 01:20:36.965
We have to consider all that stuff.

1794
01:20:37.065 --> 01:20:40.205
So please support our cultivators and our micros.

1795
01:20:40.205 --> 01:20:43.245
We need that. Um, for the cards.

1796
01:20:44.165 --> 01:20:45.645
So cards, again, the cards.

1797
01:20:45.825 --> 01:20:48.005
We, you, you mentioned before, there's still like 200

1798
01:20:48.025 --> 01:20:50.645
and something cards that, that are still provisional.

1799
01:20:51.145 --> 01:20:52.805
That's 200 cities. That's crazy.

1800
01:20:54.825 --> 01:20:57.085
Oh my gosh, that's, well, we need your help with

1801
01:20:57.085 --> 01:20:58.805
that too, so help us out. Thank you.

1802
01:20:58.975 --> 01:21:01.445
Thank you. And you can submit your comments online.

1803
01:21:05.545 --> 01:21:08.155
Good afternoon. My name is Josh Shar, COO

1804
01:21:08.155 --> 01:21:11.075
of the Highline Cannabis application 500

1805
01:21:11.255 --> 01:21:12.595
in Hastings on Hudson.

1806
01:21:12.885 --> 01:21:15.995
We've been engaged in this process since November 20, 23.

1807
01:21:16.325 --> 01:21:18.435
Early on, our proximity protection was delayed

1808
01:21:18.435 --> 01:21:19.795
because of a mistaken belief

1809
01:21:19.985 --> 01:21:22.475
that a preschool across the street was on

1810
01:21:22.475 --> 01:21:23.515
protected school grounds.

1811
01:21:23.515 --> 01:21:25.675
We met with an official shared documentation

1812
01:21:25.695 --> 01:21:27.075
and explained that the building is owned

1813
01:21:27.095 --> 01:21:28.595
by Grace Church, not.

1814
01:21:28.595 --> 01:21:31.315
The preschool is used by multiple, uh,

1815
01:21:32.145 --> 01:21:34.755
70% multiple non-school tenants

1816
01:21:34.755 --> 01:21:36.635
and is zoned as a religious owned property,

1817
01:21:36.655 --> 01:21:37.715
not a school, not a church.

1818
01:21:38.175 --> 01:21:41.515
It does not qualify under Education Law 4 0 9.

1819
01:21:41.535 --> 01:21:42.715
And the office agreed with us,

1820
01:21:42.975 --> 01:21:45.595
and we were then added to the proximity protected location

1821
01:21:45.695 --> 01:21:47.875
map just before Thanksgiving 2024.

1822
01:21:48.335 --> 01:21:51.475
Our full application review began in January, 2025.

1823
01:21:51.815 --> 01:21:54.235
In early April. We were told the review was complete

1824
01:21:54.235 --> 01:21:56.475
and that our application had been submitted to the CCB

1825
01:21:56.655 --> 01:21:57.675
for final approval.

1826
01:21:57.975 --> 01:21:59.915
An OCM agent told us that it was one

1827
01:21:59.915 --> 01:22:01.515
of the best prepared applications they

1828
01:22:01.715 --> 01:22:02.875
reviewed on April 9th.

1829
01:22:02.975 --> 01:22:05.595
We received, uh, we on April 9th,

1830
01:22:05.595 --> 01:22:07.995
we received a second notice from the office confirming our

1831
01:22:08.195 --> 01:22:10.035
location was compliant after submitting

1832
01:22:10.035 --> 01:22:11.395
our certificate of occupancy.

1833
01:22:11.395 --> 01:22:13.995
Since then, we've received zero further communication.

1834
01:22:13.995 --> 01:22:16.555
After repeated outreach with no reply, we filed a freedom

1835
01:22:16.575 --> 01:22:17.755
of information request.

1836
01:22:18.135 --> 01:22:19.155
We discovered that the Village

1837
01:22:19.155 --> 01:22:21.395
of Hastings on Hudson had again challenged our

1838
01:22:21.595 --> 01:22:22.915
location in bad faith.

1839
01:22:23.175 --> 01:22:26.635
To their credit, the OCMs general counsel defended us, uh,

1840
01:22:26.635 --> 01:22:29.235
in writing and clearly stated their location was compliant

1841
01:22:29.235 --> 01:22:31.355
under both the MRTA and cannabis law.

1842
01:22:31.545 --> 01:22:34.115
Despite that, we've now waited three months without a vote,

1843
01:22:34.255 --> 01:22:36.835
and five months since the application was under active

1844
01:22:36.835 --> 01:22:38.675
review, we've received no request

1845
01:22:38.695 --> 01:22:41.275
for additional information, timeline, no reason nothing.

1846
01:22:41.535 --> 01:22:43.875
We followed the law, we provided everything asked of us.

1847
01:22:43.895 --> 01:22:46.315
We continued to pay rent, running out of time, and capital.

1848
01:22:46.365 --> 01:22:47.555
We're stuck in silence. We

1849
01:22:47.555 --> 01:22:48.715
don't know why we're being punished.

1850
01:22:48.965 --> 01:22:50.155
We're asking respectfully

1851
01:22:50.155 --> 01:22:52.595
and humanely for someone to please give us a clear answer.

1852
01:22:52.855 --> 01:22:54.835
Please help us. Thank you.

1853
01:22:55.485 --> 01:23:00.035
Thank you. Uh, next is, uh, Kenneth, uh, Bryman.

1854
01:23:00.055 --> 01:23:04.715
If, and if Tim Bryman could also line up. Thanks.

1855
01:23:04.775 --> 01:23:07.165
Uh, and then, uh, Nima Wiggins will be after that,

1856
01:23:08.065 --> 01:23:09.965
So I'm gonna wear the hat.

1857
01:23:09.965 --> 01:23:13.405
Anyway. The LICC is amazingly supportive,

1858
01:23:13.505 --> 01:23:14.965
the community, everybody knows that.

1859
01:23:15.225 --> 01:23:19.645
And, uh, thank you for everything you guys. Thanks so much.

1860
01:23:19.825 --> 01:23:21.925
Um, also, I gotta live, I have

1861
01:23:21.925 --> 01:23:23.125
to do a little shout out here.

1862
01:23:23.385 --> 01:23:25.245
I'd like to acknowledge, uh, Patrick McKee.

1863
01:23:25.505 --> 01:23:27.885
Um, he met our, we never met in person,

1864
01:23:27.985 --> 01:23:29.165
but he was my guiding light

1865
01:23:29.165 --> 01:23:31.325
through my hemp application in 2021

1866
01:23:31.325 --> 01:23:33.645
for my hemp processing license here in New York.

1867
01:23:33.665 --> 01:23:34.845
He was so supportive of us

1868
01:23:34.865 --> 01:23:36.885
and helped us get to where we are today.

1869
01:23:36.885 --> 01:23:41.365
And thank you so much, Patrick for that. So, and basically

1870
01:23:51.375 --> 01:23:52.395
We are loving Buds.

1871
01:23:53.475 --> 01:23:56.835
O-C-O-C-M Cultivator

1872
01:23:59.055 --> 01:24:02.805
100 oh, we at OCN Cultivator 100,

1873
01:24:03.365 --> 01:24:08.205
distribution 73 Pro 92 GINK goodies, NYLL

1874
01:24:08.995 --> 01:24:13.525
Croc 41 distributor 1 4 3 express our sincere

1875
01:24:13.525 --> 01:24:15.605
gratitude for the immense support you have

1876
01:24:15.765 --> 01:24:18.045
provided to the state of New York and cannabis industry.

1877
01:24:18.515 --> 01:24:21.165
It's both an honor and privilege for us to be part

1878
01:24:21.205 --> 01:24:24.005
of the pioneering phases of the cannabis industry.

1879
01:24:24.005 --> 01:24:27.085
In New York State, we write the respectfully request

1880
01:24:27.085 --> 01:24:29.885
that the New York State Office of Cannabis Management Grant,

1881
01:24:29.885 --> 01:24:32.685
Kenneth and Kim Braman, owners of Gazin Goodies

1882
01:24:33.245 --> 01:24:35.045
Cultivation license, the operations

1883
01:24:35.045 --> 01:24:36.965
for the license will take place on the premises of

1884
01:24:37.725 --> 01:24:39.125
LLC as a co-op row.

1885
01:24:39.945 --> 01:24:42.685
It is noteworthy that both organizations are women owned

1886
01:24:42.705 --> 01:24:45.285
and family run loving buds

1887
01:24:45.285 --> 01:24:47.605
and Gazen have found exceptional synergy in their

1888
01:24:47.805 --> 01:24:50.205
collaboration, significantly enhancing each other's

1889
01:24:50.205 --> 01:24:52.925
opportunities, and contributing increased tax

1890
01:24:52.925 --> 01:24:54.325
revenues to the state of New York.

1891
01:24:54.945 --> 01:24:58.005
By granting ENT a cultivation license to operate

1892
01:24:58.085 --> 01:25:01.365
with loving buds, we will further empower these two small

1893
01:25:02.205 --> 01:25:04.925
compliant family owned companies to thrive

1894
01:25:04.925 --> 01:25:07.525
and grow within the New York State cannabis industry.

1895
01:25:08.145 --> 01:25:10.525
We wholeheartedly thank you for considering our request

1896
01:25:11.065 --> 01:25:12.725
and for all the remarkable work you have done

1897
01:25:13.145 --> 01:25:14.565
to make the opportunity possible.

1898
01:25:14.695 --> 01:25:17.205
Thank you. Legally, wait, your response

1899
01:25:18.235 --> 01:25:19.565
minutes. Alright, that's good.

1900
01:25:20.335 --> 01:25:23.045
Thank you. Appreciate you.

1901
01:25:24.665 --> 01:25:26.925
Uh, Nima Wiggins, followed by Eric Larkin.

1902
01:25:34.915 --> 01:25:37.175
My name is the Nima Wiggins founder of Take to

1903
01:25:37.855 --> 01:25:39.695
a provisional card licensee.

1904
01:25:40.275 --> 01:25:42.015
Two months ago, I came before this board

1905
01:25:42.015 --> 01:25:43.855
to address our PCA waiver requests.

1906
01:25:44.275 --> 01:25:45.855
We had least a fully compliant

1907
01:25:45.855 --> 01:25:47.215
and prebuilt cannabis store,

1908
01:25:47.235 --> 01:25:49.655
the former licensed Medin location in Manhattan

1909
01:25:50.125 --> 01:25:52.495
with support from our community at the time,

1910
01:25:52.795 --> 01:25:55.895
we had already waited nearly three months for a response

1911
01:25:56.195 --> 01:25:57.655
to our PCA waiver request

1912
01:25:58.235 --> 01:26:00.135
has now been almost five months since we

1913
01:26:00.135 --> 01:26:01.295
submitted our waiver request.

1914
01:26:01.835 --> 01:26:05.045
Uh, we followed the rules at every step of the process,

1915
01:26:05.045 --> 01:26:06.925
submitting all required documents

1916
01:26:06.925 --> 01:26:08.405
and materials, responding promptly

1917
01:26:08.745 --> 01:26:10.885
and engaging in our local community in good faith.

1918
01:26:11.105 --> 01:26:12.965
Yet we still have never been

1919
01:26:13.165 --> 01:26:14.805
provided an opportunity for the CCB

1920
01:26:14.805 --> 01:26:16.485
to consider our PCA waiver request.

1921
01:26:16.875 --> 01:26:20.525
Even worse, the CCB is approving today new PCA waiver

1922
01:26:20.525 --> 01:26:23.045
regulations that will permanently bar any opportunity

1923
01:26:23.065 --> 01:26:24.405
to obtain our PCA waiver.

1924
01:26:25.115 --> 01:26:26.965
This is exactly the worst case fear

1925
01:26:27.275 --> 01:26:30.245
that we previously expressed in our correspondence in our

1926
01:26:30.245 --> 01:26:31.245
counsel's letter.

1927
01:26:31.275 --> 01:26:34.045
With respect to the proposed PCA waiver rules

1928
01:26:34.045 --> 01:26:35.685
and regulations changes.

1929
01:26:36.035 --> 01:26:37.125
This is a travesty

1930
01:26:37.155 --> 01:26:40.085
that will deny the New York Cannabis Market the opportunity

1931
01:26:40.225 --> 01:26:43.525
to properly satisfy the needs of the legal market

1932
01:26:43.945 --> 01:26:46.605
and red down for the benefit of the illicit market.

1933
01:26:47.205 --> 01:26:50.005
I noticed that there's only a few PCA applications

1934
01:26:50.005 --> 01:26:53.805
that are being brought up each meeting, uh, to be voted on.

1935
01:26:54.065 --> 01:26:57.245
Is that 'cause there's only a, there's only ones

1936
01:26:57.245 --> 01:26:58.725
that's ready to be voted on,

1937
01:26:58.785 --> 01:27:00.765
or is it that there's only a limit time

1938
01:27:00.765 --> 01:27:01.965
available for these meetings?

1939
01:27:01.965 --> 01:27:05.205
The PCA waivers has not gotten a fair chance, seemingly due

1940
01:27:05.205 --> 01:27:08.605
to purposely delayed processing timelines with no remorse.

1941
01:27:08.985 --> 01:27:10.725
If a applicant loses his

1942
01:27:10.725 --> 01:27:12.925
or her chances of a license in store location,

1943
01:27:13.725 --> 01:27:15.325
I could not be more disappointed.

1944
01:27:15.465 --> 01:27:17.125
My hopes and dreams have been destroyed.

1945
01:27:17.685 --> 01:27:20.085
How can this happen in a state committed to equity?

1946
01:27:20.455 --> 01:27:21.455
Thank you.

1947
01:27:22.135 --> 01:27:26.475
Thank you. Um, Eric,

1948
01:27:26.825 --> 01:27:28.995
Eric Larkin, followed by Alexander Mann.

1949
01:27:31.135 --> 01:27:32.395
Hi, my name's Eric Larkin.

1950
01:27:32.415 --> 01:27:34.075
I'm from Loving Buds, doing business

1951
01:27:34.095 --> 01:27:36.475
as Juniper Jail Cannabis Company, uh,

1952
01:27:36.875 --> 01:27:38.715
cultivation license number 1 0 0,

1953
01:27:38.965 --> 01:27:40.915
processing license number 92,

1954
01:27:41.375 --> 01:27:43.635
and distribution license number 73.

1955
01:27:44.055 --> 01:27:45.195
Uh, I'd like to start out

1956
01:27:45.255 --> 01:27:47.115
by first seconding everything Kenny

1957
01:27:47.135 --> 01:27:51.035
and Kim said in our, um, attempt to get a license

1958
01:27:51.095 --> 01:27:53.955
to be co-opted for them, uh, their cultivation

1959
01:27:53.955 --> 01:27:56.795
to be co-opted under our, uh, premises.

1960
01:27:57.375 --> 01:28:00.875
Um, but first I'd like to express my gratitude for everyone

1961
01:28:00.875 --> 01:28:02.315
who makes the industry possible.

1962
01:28:02.875 --> 01:28:05.435
Everyone in the OCM, all the operators

1963
01:28:05.495 --> 01:28:06.835
who are doing things the right way,

1964
01:28:07.475 --> 01:28:08.675
everyone on the front lines, as well

1965
01:28:08.675 --> 01:28:09.995
as everyone who's behind the scenes.

1966
01:28:10.115 --> 01:28:11.395
I know it's a lot of thankless work,

1967
01:28:11.975 --> 01:28:13.955
but, uh, just know that we appreciate it.

1968
01:28:14.535 --> 01:28:18.155
Um, again, just, uh, asking for you guys

1969
01:28:18.215 --> 01:28:21.635
to consider the cultivation license for Gazoo Dummies to be

1970
01:28:22.435 --> 01:28:24.515
operated under our premises in which, uh,

1971
01:28:24.855 --> 01:28:26.995
we have the infrastructure, the resources,

1972
01:28:26.995 --> 01:28:29.995
and the synergy to, uh, increase the growth

1973
01:28:30.135 --> 01:28:32.795
and availability of products to the legal market.

1974
01:28:33.375 --> 01:28:35.675
Um, if this license is granted, if

1975
01:28:35.675 --> 01:28:38.475
and when, I hope, uh, we have the ability to be up

1976
01:28:38.475 --> 01:28:42.155
and running very quickly and increase, um, uh, product

1977
01:28:42.295 --> 01:28:45.195
for this false harvest as well as continuing going forward.

1978
01:28:45.335 --> 01:28:47.075
So, just appreciate everything

1979
01:28:47.075 --> 01:28:48.915
and everyone here, everyone who does everything

1980
01:28:48.915 --> 01:28:50.315
to make this industry possible.

1981
01:28:50.765 --> 01:28:52.675
Thank you. Thank you.

1982
01:28:55.105 --> 01:28:57.205
Um, Alexander Amen. Followed by Jeremy Rivera.

1983
01:29:01.755 --> 01:29:03.365
Good afternoon, members of the board.

1984
01:29:03.365 --> 01:29:05.525
Ladies, gentlemen, my name is Alexander Reman

1985
01:29:05.525 --> 01:29:07.405
and I present Toast Tree LLC.

1986
01:29:08.025 --> 01:29:09.525
We submitted a proposed location

1987
01:29:09.545 --> 01:29:13.045
for our adult EU dispensary at 15 E four York Avenue in

1988
01:29:13.045 --> 01:29:14.765
New York, New York, 1 0 0 2 8.

1989
01:29:14.995 --> 01:29:17.925
Unfortunately, our submission was denied due in existing

1990
01:29:17.925 --> 01:29:19.125
proximity protection granted

1991
01:29:19.145 --> 01:29:21.845
to different applicant at 4 0 1 East 81st Street.

1992
01:29:22.335 --> 01:29:24.445
After conducting, conducting due diligence,

1993
01:29:24.445 --> 01:29:26.005
we learned from our Ignation,

1994
01:29:26.265 --> 01:29:28.365
who also represents 4 0 1 East 81st Street,

1995
01:29:28.365 --> 01:29:30.885
that the applicant who received proximity protection for

1996
01:29:30.885 --> 01:29:34.085
that address does not and never did have a lease

1997
01:29:34.385 --> 01:29:36.365
nor any agreement or business relationship

1998
01:29:36.365 --> 01:29:37.885
with the landlord at that location.

1999
01:29:38.465 --> 01:29:41.205
In support of these, we submitted a sworn affidavit from the

2000
01:29:41.205 --> 01:29:44.245
head of the Property management to the OCM, clearly stating

2001
01:29:44.275 --> 01:29:46.805
that no lease exists between the landlord and the applicant.

2002
01:29:47.275 --> 01:29:50.205
Further, I have in my possession a four minute recorded

2003
01:29:50.205 --> 01:29:51.765
phone call between the licensee

2004
01:29:51.905 --> 01:29:53.565
and the one of the owners of the property,

2005
01:29:53.565 --> 01:29:57.165
4 0 180 first Street, which less licensee openly admits to,

2006
01:29:57.425 --> 01:30:00.085
to submitting an address without any authorization.

2007
01:30:00.705 --> 01:30:02.525
He acknowledges that he has no control

2008
01:30:02.585 --> 01:30:03.765
or rights to that location

2009
01:30:04.145 --> 01:30:05.685
and used it on the false pretense

2010
01:30:06.115 --> 01:30:07.765
that according recording is available.

2011
01:30:08.025 --> 01:30:11.645
Uh, if anybody's interested, we contacted the licensee

2012
01:30:11.645 --> 01:30:12.925
and informed them that we were prepared

2013
01:30:12.925 --> 01:30:14.885
to take legal action in our understanding.

2014
01:30:14.945 --> 01:30:16.965
As of yesterday, June 26th application,

2015
01:30:17.065 --> 01:30:19.925
the applicant formally withdrew their proximity protection

2016
01:30:20.135 --> 01:30:22.845
claim for 4 0 1 East 81st Street, at least according to him.

2017
01:30:23.455 --> 01:30:25.605
Given the original proximity protection was obtained

2018
01:30:25.605 --> 01:30:28.165
fraudulently, we respectfully urged the Cannabis Control

2019
01:30:28.165 --> 01:30:30.485
Board and the OCM to take Swift corrective action

2020
01:30:30.485 --> 01:30:33.165
and grant proximity protection to those three LLC

2021
01:30:33.745 --> 01:30:36.565
for our valid viable location, 1580 for your avenue.

2022
01:30:37.215 --> 01:30:39.165
We've worked in good faith throughout this process,

2023
01:30:39.345 --> 01:30:40.565
and we are fully committed

2024
01:30:40.785 --> 01:30:43.765
to operating a compliant community-centered dispensary.

2025
01:30:43.765 --> 01:30:46.445
We simply ask for fairness and clarity as we move forward.

2026
01:30:46.725 --> 01:30:48.205
I thank you for your consideration.

2027
01:30:48.535 --> 01:30:50.645
Again, my name is Alexander. We thank you.

2028
01:30:51.255 --> 01:30:54.165
Thank you. Uh, Jeremy Rivera, followed

2029
01:30:54.185 --> 01:30:55.485
by Alessandra Cotton.

2030
01:30:55.825 --> 01:30:56.925
Catone Cotton.

2031
01:30:58.285 --> 01:31:00.045
I with a e. Okay. Thank you.

2032
01:31:00.945 --> 01:31:02.965
Uh, good morning. My name is Jeremy Rivera.

2033
01:31:02.965 --> 01:31:04.605
I'm the co-founder of Terros,

2034
01:31:04.685 --> 01:31:06.685
a minority owned justice involved cannabis

2035
01:31:06.685 --> 01:31:07.965
dispensary and the story of Queens.

2036
01:31:08.545 --> 01:31:11.525
Uh, my business partner and I have been working for close

2037
01:31:11.545 --> 01:31:14.365
to a year now to bring Terros to the Ozone Park community.

2038
01:31:14.745 --> 01:31:17.205
Uh, those efforts have definitely been stagnated.

2039
01:31:17.925 --> 01:31:20.205
I come here standing accompanied by friends

2040
01:31:20.225 --> 01:31:22.565
and family who are not here on behalf of the business,

2041
01:31:22.565 --> 01:31:25.405
but on behalf of the community we serve in Astoria,

2042
01:31:25.405 --> 01:31:26.845
we've built more than just dispensary.

2043
01:31:26.845 --> 01:31:29.765
We've built real partnerships, we've created local jobs,

2044
01:31:29.965 --> 01:31:32.325
uplifted area small businesses, work closely

2045
01:31:32.355 --> 01:31:34.365
with elected officials and develop strong,

2046
01:31:34.455 --> 01:31:37.205
respectful relationships with our community board.

2047
01:31:37.465 --> 01:31:39.725
And that is the model we bring everywhere we go,

2048
01:31:39.865 --> 01:31:42.245
and it's the same commitment we bring to Ozone Park.

2049
01:31:42.905 --> 01:31:45.405
Our experience in Ozone Park has been entirely different

2050
01:31:45.405 --> 01:31:46.845
than Astoria, though not

2051
01:31:46.845 --> 01:31:49.565
because we've abandoned our commitments, our values, but

2052
01:31:49.565 --> 01:31:51.805
because we've encountered nothing but obstructions.

2053
01:31:52.185 --> 01:31:55.845
The Ozone Park Community Board has denied every single legal

2054
01:31:55.845 --> 01:31:56.925
dispensary that has come

2055
01:31:56.925 --> 01:31:59.965
before them, not based on merit, but based on stigma.

2056
01:32:00.405 --> 01:32:01.845
Councilwoman Areola

2057
01:32:01.845 --> 01:32:04.645
and the Community board 10 have constantly placed

2058
01:32:04.715 --> 01:32:06.565
unnecessary roadblocks in the path

2059
01:32:06.565 --> 01:32:09.285
of every adult use cannabis applicant, regardless

2060
01:32:09.305 --> 01:32:12.045
of background, business model, or community support.

2061
01:32:12.635 --> 01:32:15.165
Unfortunately, myself, my business partners,

2062
01:32:15.345 --> 01:32:16.925
our local advocates, our lawyers,

2063
01:32:17.065 --> 01:32:19.965
and our business advisors feel strongly that the OCM

2064
01:32:19.985 --> 01:32:23.165
and the CCB have enabled this by not considering and

2065
01:32:23.185 --> 01:32:24.605
or approving our final license.

2066
01:32:25.675 --> 01:32:27.405
This does not represent the vision

2067
01:32:27.545 --> 01:32:29.125
of the spirit of the MRTA.

2068
01:32:29.505 --> 01:32:32.445
The MRTA was created to establish a fair, equitable,

2069
01:32:32.445 --> 01:32:35.125
and accessible pathway for legal cannabis businesses,

2070
01:32:35.655 --> 01:32:38.925
especially those led by individuals like myself committed

2071
01:32:38.925 --> 01:32:40.325
to doing the right thing the right way.

2072
01:32:41.185 --> 01:32:44.005
Uh, what we're facing is not oversight.

2073
01:32:44.115 --> 01:32:45.445
It's targeted obstruction

2074
01:32:45.465 --> 01:32:48.125
and threatens the integrity of the entire licensing process.

2075
01:32:48.655 --> 01:32:50.285
Right now, there are jobs in our community

2076
01:32:50.285 --> 01:32:52.205
that remain unfilled, economic opportunities

2077
01:32:52.205 --> 01:32:53.245
that remain stalled,

2078
01:32:53.245 --> 01:32:55.605
and a state regulated industry that continues

2079
01:32:55.605 --> 01:32:58.725
to be undermined by personal agendas and outdated thinking.

2080
01:32:59.225 --> 01:33:02.085
If we are delayed just past the July board meeting, I feel

2081
01:33:02.085 --> 01:33:04.205
that we'll be unable to continue paying our rent

2082
01:33:04.205 --> 01:33:06.845
after investing over $600,000 into the business,

2083
01:33:07.145 --> 01:33:09.765
and we will lose over 18 Ozone Park employees

2084
01:33:09.765 --> 01:33:11.445
that have been hired, trained, and ready to work.

2085
01:33:12.025 --> 01:33:14.805
Uh, we urge the board to look beyond local politics

2086
01:33:14.805 --> 01:33:17.165
and recognize the work we've done, values we represent,

2087
01:33:17.165 --> 01:33:18.925
and the community we are ready to serve. Thank you.

2088
01:33:19.575 --> 01:33:24.435
Thank you. Uh, Alessandro, uh,

2089
01:33:24.435 --> 01:33:26.955
cotton, followed by Angela d Gaby.

2090
01:33:27.835 --> 01:33:29.685
Good afternoon. My name is Alessandro Catone.

2091
01:33:29.865 --> 01:33:32.085
Um, I am the call holder.

2092
01:33:32.205 --> 01:33:34.925
I am the license holder at Callay Buds, doing business

2093
01:33:34.945 --> 01:33:36.925
as Tur Bros in Ozone Park.

2094
01:33:36.935 --> 01:33:38.605
We've been ready to open since April.

2095
01:33:38.785 --> 01:33:40.605
Our store's built we're fully compliant.

2096
01:33:40.605 --> 01:33:42.445
We've hired local staff, we've hired, trained,

2097
01:33:42.445 --> 01:33:44.045
and waiting to work.

2098
01:33:44.655 --> 01:33:46.605
These are real people from the community whose lives

2099
01:33:46.625 --> 01:33:47.645
are at hold.

2100
01:33:47.645 --> 01:33:50.765
Because of this delay at our soil location,

2101
01:33:50.765 --> 01:33:52.645
we built strong positive relationships

2102
01:33:52.645 --> 01:33:54.245
with our neighbors, our local leaders.

2103
01:33:54.415 --> 01:33:58.045
We've shown, we've operated with integrity and respect.

2104
01:33:58.385 --> 01:34:00.245
We are ready to do the same in Ozone Park.

2105
01:34:00.905 --> 01:34:02.725
The only thing holding us back is a negative,

2106
01:34:03.005 --> 01:34:05.325
negative recommendation from the local community board.

2107
01:34:05.705 --> 01:34:08.445
We followed every rule, but we're still being sold,

2108
01:34:09.425 --> 01:34:12.445
and it's taken a real toll on our team and our business.

2109
01:34:12.865 --> 01:34:15.165
We just ask for a fair opportunity and to open

2110
01:34:15.165 --> 01:34:16.725
and serve the community the right way.

2111
01:34:16.975 --> 01:34:17.975
Thank you.

2112
01:34:18.655 --> 01:34:23.205
Thank you. Angela Debi, followed by

2113
01:34:23.885 --> 01:34:25.485
a Aaron Thur Durham.

2114
01:34:28.965 --> 01:34:31.175
Dear Garcia, members of the, uh, office

2115
01:34:31.235 --> 01:34:32.495
of Cannabis Management,

2116
01:34:33.025 --> 01:34:36.935
after 40 years of advocating for, uh, the legalization

2117
01:34:37.675 --> 01:34:40.655
of marijuana and hemp, it is truly an honor

2118
01:34:40.795 --> 01:34:42.535
to see you in existence.

2119
01:34:45.225 --> 01:34:49.485
For four decades, I have worked with the church,

2120
01:34:50.515 --> 01:34:54.125
including the Parish of our Lady of Mount Parel

2121
01:34:55.995 --> 01:34:59.755
and Mona Jamie and his predecessor.

2122
01:35:00.975 --> 01:35:05.215
My roles included missionary Hadist,

2123
01:35:06.575 --> 01:35:08.765
religious teacher commissioner,

2124
01:35:10.385 --> 01:35:12.845
and most recently executive board member

2125
01:35:13.385 --> 01:35:15.285
of the Bishop Biggies Project, hope

2126
01:35:16.865 --> 01:35:18.965
In early 2021,

2127
01:35:20.285 --> 01:35:24.085
I introduced Monsignor Jamie to Jeremy Rivera

2128
01:35:25.025 --> 01:35:28.725
and Al Patone, who I have known a lifetime.

2129
01:35:30.715 --> 01:35:32.305
These two amazing young men

2130
01:35:32.925 --> 01:35:35.545
met Monsignor Jamie on three occasions

2131
01:35:36.485 --> 01:35:39.025
at Bishop Ignatius Cat Scholarship dinner

2132
01:35:39.925 --> 01:35:41.065
for Catholic high schools,

2133
01:35:42.165 --> 01:35:46.085
and two luncheons, the benefit

2134
01:35:46.785 --> 01:35:50.445
Our Lady of Mount Carmel at one of the luncheons,

2135
01:35:52.285 --> 01:35:56.665
Jeremy and Al were presented with an apron, which was part

2136
01:35:56.665 --> 01:36:00.905
of a campaign of breaking bread with Monsignor Jamie,

2137
01:36:01.905 --> 01:36:03.905
a a television cooking show.

2138
01:36:05.005 --> 01:36:08.345
Aprons are important. They signify service.

2139
01:36:09.605 --> 01:36:12.065
One of the aprons has Monsignor Jamie's picture on

2140
01:36:12.065 --> 01:36:13.745
it, and Turp Bros.

2141
01:36:15.265 --> 01:36:17.945
I truly respect the Office of Cannabis Management

2142
01:36:19.425 --> 01:36:21.485
for their search for the truth in this matter,

2143
01:36:23.805 --> 01:36:26.825
we have an ambitious politician that wants

2144
01:36:26.885 --> 01:36:28.465
to just satisfy her voters,

2145
01:36:29.485 --> 01:36:31.465
and she lied to government agencies

2146
01:36:32.085 --> 01:36:32.785
and the press

2147
01:36:37.645 --> 01:36:38.985
In this search for the truth.

2148
01:36:40.895 --> 01:36:43.475
The whole integrity of this board

2149
01:36:43.855 --> 01:36:46.715
and the industry is at stake. Oh,

2150
01:36:47.095 --> 01:36:48.435
Sir, you've, you've reached time.

2151
01:36:48.775 --> 01:36:52.815
I'd like to submit some documents. Please do.

2152
01:36:52.995 --> 01:36:56.415
And pictures that demonstrate my testimony.

2153
01:36:57.175 --> 01:36:59.375
I thank you very much for this opportunity. May I approach?

2154
01:36:59.955 --> 01:37:01.295
Yes, thank you. Thank

2155
01:37:01.295 --> 01:37:02.295
You.

2156
01:37:02.835 --> 01:37:03.575
Um, Aaron,

2157
01:37:08.375 --> 01:37:10.075
um, Aaron Thur, Thur.

2158
01:37:10.145 --> 01:37:11.515
Thur or Thurman, I'm sorry about that.

2159
01:37:11.615 --> 01:37:14.115
And Angela Stokes to follow.

2160
01:37:16.345 --> 01:37:18.245
Hi. Good morning everybody. Good morning to the board.

2161
01:37:18.505 --> 01:37:19.685
My name is Aaron Thurman

2162
01:37:19.685 --> 01:37:21.165
and I'm a Michael Business applicant.

2163
01:37:21.165 --> 01:37:24.285
License number OMCR 2020

2164
01:37:24.285 --> 01:37:26.325
3 0 0 0 9 7.

2165
01:37:27.105 --> 01:37:29.565
And I applied on October 5th, 2023.

2166
01:37:30.265 --> 01:37:32.445
I'm currently in the December queue of applicants,

2167
01:37:32.445 --> 01:37:35.285
but when I submitted my application, I relied on guidance.

2168
01:37:35.845 --> 01:37:37.845
I received an Office of CAN Management

2169
01:37:37.845 --> 01:37:40.685
and submitted A-L-O-I-A letter of intent along

2170
01:37:40.685 --> 01:37:42.565
with my lease, which led me to believe

2171
01:37:42.565 --> 01:37:45.445
that I'd be considered the M November Group of applicants.

2172
01:37:46.025 --> 01:37:48.405
Um, I'm speaking for myself

2173
01:37:48.545 --> 01:37:50.245
and a lot of other people as similarly situated.

2174
01:37:50.755 --> 01:37:53.805
That will be small, licensed applicants that will be legacy

2175
01:37:54.665 --> 01:37:57.525
people participated in the market before legalization.

2176
01:37:58.345 --> 01:38:00.165
Um, we ain't well capitalized.

2177
01:38:00.425 --> 01:38:02.725
We aren't very familiar with the legal process

2178
01:38:02.825 --> 01:38:04.005
and how to engage them,

2179
01:38:04.585 --> 01:38:05.805
but that don't mean we ain't capital.

2180
01:38:06.025 --> 01:38:07.285
We are competent.

2181
01:38:07.555 --> 01:38:09.205
That won't mean we are capitalized,

2182
01:38:09.385 --> 01:38:11.605
or I'm asking for my application to be reviewed.

2183
01:38:12.065 --> 01:38:15.565
We looked at, I've submitted hundreds

2184
01:38:15.565 --> 01:38:19.205
and hundreds of, uh, emails and conversations with OCM.

2185
01:38:19.285 --> 01:38:21.005
I still haven't got a straight answer from anybody.

2186
01:38:21.745 --> 01:38:22.965
I'm not asking for final license.

2187
01:38:23.105 --> 01:38:24.925
I'm just asking for provisional approval.

2188
01:38:25.245 --> 01:38:27.405
Somebody to open my application. Take a look at it.

2189
01:38:27.505 --> 01:38:29.485
So I'll gimme the runaround. Gimme a straight answer.

2190
01:38:30.645 --> 01:38:33.725
I Palm has been irreparable by this time, not for me,

2191
01:38:33.785 --> 01:38:38.165
but all those similar situated from losses, unimaginable,

2192
01:38:38.165 --> 01:38:39.885
not just finance, hereby people crying,

2193
01:38:40.205 --> 01:38:41.365
complaining about losing millions.

2194
01:38:41.715 --> 01:38:43.565
What about the people losing single dollars

2195
01:38:43.565 --> 01:38:44.605
don't got millions to lose?

2196
01:38:45.385 --> 01:38:48.645
So please remove my application. No similar situated now.

2197
01:38:51.025 --> 01:38:55.245
Thank you. Angela Stokes, followed

2198
01:38:55.245 --> 01:38:57.685
by Tamika ine.

2199
01:38:58.385 --> 01:38:58.605
Ian,

2200
01:39:03.805 --> 01:39:04.265
she left.

2201
01:39:04.335 --> 01:39:06.865
Okay. Um, Tamika Val, Ian, are you here?

2202
01:39:07.665 --> 01:39:08.305
Followed by Janice

2203
01:39:08.655 --> 01:39:13.655
Mcda. Hello,

2204
01:39:14.145 --> 01:39:15.885
My name is Tamika Je.

2205
01:39:16.145 --> 01:39:19.485
I'm in the December queue for the retail license.

2206
01:39:20.025 --> 01:39:21.525
I'm number 3 99.

2207
01:39:22.285 --> 01:39:25.925
I am asking that there become more resources out there

2208
01:39:26.665 --> 01:39:31.445
for the c applicants like me who don't have

2209
01:39:32.125 --> 01:39:34.525
a big, big people backing

2210
01:39:34.585 --> 01:39:36.845
or don't have a whole bunch of resources

2211
01:39:36.865 --> 01:39:40.845
and is trying to make legacy and like everyone else.

2212
01:39:41.345 --> 01:39:43.805
So I noticed that when researching and it,

2213
01:39:43.805 --> 01:39:46.565
because I have been researching and doing my due diligence

2214
01:39:46.625 --> 01:39:47.725
and going to conference

2215
01:39:47.725 --> 01:39:50.485
and things like that, there's not really much

2216
01:39:50.995 --> 01:39:52.925
help for people like me.

2217
01:39:53.925 --> 01:39:56.525
I mean, even though people said that there is help out there

2218
01:39:56.525 --> 01:39:57.885
and you come to these conferences

2219
01:39:58.025 --> 01:40:00.525
and we can help you with networking and things like that.

2220
01:40:00.805 --> 01:40:04.565
I have been there and there's not. I keep getting stopped.

2221
01:40:05.305 --> 01:40:09.765
And, um, we know that there is a way for our license

2222
01:40:10.145 --> 01:40:12.725
to be open, but in this process, we can

2223
01:40:13.385 --> 01:40:15.765
get ourselves ready if we have resources.

2224
01:40:15.785 --> 01:40:19.125
So when you guys do call, we can just be ready

2225
01:40:19.265 --> 01:40:21.605
to have it open instead of now we have

2226
01:40:21.605 --> 01:40:25.965
to wait again once we become licensed to try to get funding

2227
01:40:26.185 --> 01:40:30.965
or to try to get any resources to open our stores.

2228
01:40:31.625 --> 01:40:34.165
So just a little more resources maybe

2229
01:40:34.425 --> 01:40:38.365
and more transparency for, to see applicants that's doing it

2230
01:40:38.365 --> 01:40:39.925
by theyself and that don't have

2231
01:40:40.245 --> 01:40:41.645
billions of people behind them.

2232
01:40:41.985 --> 01:40:46.085
And that have the, that's doing mostly everything

2233
01:40:46.145 --> 01:40:50.525
but stopping with the resources. That's it. Thank

2234
01:40:50.525 --> 01:40:51.525
You. Thank you.

2235
01:40:51.525 --> 01:40:55.325
Janice.

2236
01:40:55.325 --> 01:40:57.805
McDavid, followed by, uh, Sean Berg

2237
01:41:00.315 --> 01:41:02.135
and Joseph Lustberg can line on backer.

2238
01:41:04.525 --> 01:41:07.295
Good afternoon. My name is Janice McDaniel.

2239
01:41:07.975 --> 01:41:11.575
I have, uh, we had tried to open up retails, uh, dispensary.

2240
01:41:11.575 --> 01:41:13.735
We're underneath the justice involved.

2241
01:41:14.875 --> 01:41:17.015
My problem is that we have sent in several letters

2242
01:41:17.525 --> 01:41:20.695
because, uh, we had, I had put in for proximity.

2243
01:41:21.325 --> 01:41:23.575
Proximity was approved in January,

2244
01:41:24.675 --> 01:41:26.495
but then I had to change the location,

2245
01:41:26.505 --> 01:41:28.615
which was maybe a block and a half away

2246
01:41:28.725 --> 01:41:30.615
because I was having problems with the landlord

2247
01:41:30.615 --> 01:41:32.495
that they did not want that type

2248
01:41:32.495 --> 01:41:33.815
of program in their building.

2249
01:41:34.715 --> 01:41:38.375
Put it in, in, got approved again, all through OCM

2250
01:41:38.685 --> 01:41:40.255
that my proximity was good.

2251
01:41:41.385 --> 01:41:43.245
We are supposed to be opening up in June.

2252
01:41:43.745 --> 01:41:47.765
We put in over $300,000 to try to get this store together.

2253
01:41:48.525 --> 01:41:50.245
I don't have that kind money. Okay.

2254
01:41:50.645 --> 01:41:52.205
Remember I said I'm justice involved.

2255
01:41:53.315 --> 01:41:57.175
Uh, now in May, I received early May.

2256
01:41:57.725 --> 01:41:59.895
They said, oh, there was a glitch in the system.

2257
01:42:00.085 --> 01:42:03.975
They messed up. I understand you messed up once, two times.

2258
01:42:04.205 --> 01:42:06.055
It's not a mistake. All of a sudden,

2259
01:42:06.695 --> 01:42:08.295
I was the only one on the map.

2260
01:42:09.285 --> 01:42:12.455
Then all of a sudden on the map now comes a building

2261
01:42:12.605 --> 01:42:14.295
that I never even heard of, that they said

2262
01:42:14.295 --> 01:42:18.135
that they had put in for as per O-C-M-I-L.

2263
01:42:18.215 --> 01:42:19.855
I went around there. I looked at that building.

2264
01:42:20.205 --> 01:42:23.975
That building from a small little residential, uh,

2265
01:42:24.665 --> 01:42:27.375
house has turned into a huge building

2266
01:42:28.075 --> 01:42:31.735
laying almost on top of enough, a store next to it

2267
01:42:31.995 --> 01:42:34.295
and has so many violations on it

2268
01:42:35.105 --> 01:42:36.975
outta nowhere that this store came.

2269
01:42:37.255 --> 01:42:40.215
I need some help. Okay? I have a 10 year lease.

2270
01:42:40.735 --> 01:42:41.975
I can't just pick up and leave.

2271
01:42:42.455 --> 01:42:45.935
I can't afford, I have to pay rent every month on a store

2272
01:42:45.935 --> 01:42:47.095
that I can't even open.

2273
01:42:48.075 --> 01:42:49.575
So I need some type of assistance.

2274
01:42:49.645 --> 01:42:52.135
I've submit several letters. I had attorneys.

2275
01:42:52.135 --> 01:42:54.255
It cost me money for attorneys. Okay.

2276
01:42:54.675 --> 01:42:56.695
Um, I'm basically tapped out.

2277
01:42:57.275 --> 01:42:59.215
So I need somebody to take a look at this

2278
01:42:59.275 --> 01:43:02.535
and see about maybe doing something, a waiver.

2279
01:43:03.045 --> 01:43:04.375
Give me, I don't wanna put in a waiver.

2280
01:43:04.535 --> 01:43:05.535
'cause I heard if you put in a waiver

2281
01:43:05.765 --> 01:43:09.215
that you would not be able to get, um, to be able

2282
01:43:09.215 --> 01:43:10.735
to submit another application.

2283
01:43:11.835 --> 01:43:13.215
So, uh, I need some help.

2284
01:43:13.435 --> 01:43:16.715
My, uh, uh, the organization is Janice, uh,

2285
01:43:16.825 --> 01:43:18.315
grow Essential Materials.

2286
01:43:18.645 --> 01:43:20.635
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

2287
01:43:23.355 --> 01:43:25.405
John Berg, followed by Joseph Berg.

2288
01:43:27.115 --> 01:43:29.645
Good afternoon chair, members of the board.

2289
01:43:29.665 --> 01:43:31.485
My name is Sean Luper, co-founder

2290
01:43:31.505 --> 01:43:36.125
of Mots only New York style LLC card licensing number 400.

2291
01:43:37.705 --> 01:43:41.045
We were one of the first card licensees over two years ago.

2292
01:43:41.055 --> 01:43:43.485
We've spent the last 14 months working in good faith

2293
01:43:43.515 --> 01:43:44.845
with the town of South Hampton

2294
01:43:45.345 --> 01:43:47.245
to open our dispensary in Hampton Bays.

2295
01:43:47.775 --> 01:43:51.405
We've invested over $1.3 million paid rent every month

2296
01:43:51.545 --> 01:43:53.445
and followed every rule, every procedure,

2297
01:43:53.465 --> 01:43:54.765
and every local requirement.

2298
01:43:55.385 --> 01:43:58.045
We were days away from having our site deemed complete

2299
01:43:58.375 --> 01:44:00.285
until just one day before the final meeting.

2300
01:44:00.305 --> 01:44:01.965
We received a letter from the Chief Building

2301
01:44:01.965 --> 01:44:03.405
inspector that changed everything.

2302
01:44:03.945 --> 01:44:06.565
The letter claimed we were within 500 feet of a school,

2303
01:44:07.025 --> 01:44:08.645
but the property in question is St.

2304
01:44:08.915 --> 01:44:12.725
Rosalie's Church, which operates a daycare, not a school.

2305
01:44:13.315 --> 01:44:15.445
Even The planning board had previously acknowledged

2306
01:44:15.445 --> 01:44:16.525
that the site is zoned

2307
01:44:16.525 --> 01:44:18.925
and used as a church, not exclusively as a school.

2308
01:44:19.345 --> 01:44:21.165
As required on both the OCMs guidance

2309
01:44:21.185 --> 01:44:22.805
and the New York State Education Law

2310
01:44:23.765 --> 01:44:25.885
Determination came suddenly following a private meeting

2311
01:44:25.885 --> 01:44:26.925
with the building inspector

2312
01:44:26.945 --> 01:44:30.245
and the reverend of the church who has publicly outspoken

2313
01:44:30.305 --> 01:44:31.925
and opposition to our business.

2314
01:44:32.545 --> 01:44:34.965
And the measurement used in the letter was also incorrect.

2315
01:44:36.185 --> 01:44:38.965
What's even more baffling is there's a liquor store directly

2316
01:44:38.965 --> 01:44:41.125
across the street from the same church subject

2317
01:44:41.145 --> 01:44:43.445
to the same distancing rules and has never been challenged.

2318
01:44:43.905 --> 01:44:47.125
It became clear to us, this isn't about zoning or safety.

2319
01:44:47.195 --> 01:44:48.845
This is about politics and stigma.

2320
01:44:49.665 --> 01:44:51.285
We didn't just sit back, we hit the streets.

2321
01:44:51.305 --> 01:44:53.605
We met local businesses, residents, community members,

2322
01:44:53.985 --> 01:44:55.805
and we found what was unexpected.

2323
01:44:55.835 --> 01:44:58.045
They support us. They support safe access.

2324
01:44:58.045 --> 01:44:59.485
They support local ownership.

2325
01:44:59.955 --> 01:45:03.205
They just don't support how this process, it's turned out

2326
01:45:03.515 --> 01:45:06.565
because we got no support from the OCM or governor's office.

2327
01:45:06.595 --> 01:45:09.085
Drew Fi forced to file zoning board of appeals.

2328
01:45:10.345 --> 01:45:12.405
We still have no ZBA hearing scheduled.

2329
01:45:12.405 --> 01:45:13.805
While the town continues to delay

2330
01:45:13.805 --> 01:45:16.285
and obstruct, we are actively being harmed financially,

2331
01:45:16.285 --> 01:45:18.045
legally, emotionally, and now the town

2332
01:45:18.225 --> 01:45:19.405
is attempting to rezone.

2333
01:45:19.405 --> 01:45:21.085
The very highway relocated on

2334
01:45:21.505 --> 01:45:23.445
to exclude dispensaries altogether.

2335
01:45:24.085 --> 01:45:25.845
A plan that sat dormant for 10 years

2336
01:45:25.845 --> 01:45:27.285
until our business entered the picture.

2337
01:45:28.385 --> 01:45:30.045
I'm standing here today to ask respectfully

2338
01:45:30.045 --> 01:45:32.965
but urgently, the OCMs legal team to step in and help us.

2339
01:45:33.345 --> 01:45:36.845
We continue fighting this alone. Thank you. Thank you.

2340
01:45:39.965 --> 01:45:42.505
Joseph Berg, followed by Audrey Bonano.

2341
01:45:42.645 --> 01:45:45.145
Uh, good afternoon. My name is Joseph Osberg.

2342
01:45:45.205 --> 01:45:46.825
I'm gonna pick up where my brother left off.

2343
01:45:47.805 --> 01:45:50.825
So after the building, inspector last minute sent us

2344
01:45:50.825 --> 01:45:53.705
that letter to reclassify the church as a school.

2345
01:45:54.285 --> 01:45:56.785
The town forced us to the zoning board of appeals.

2346
01:45:57.175 --> 01:46:01.545
They want to change the entire highway to Hamlet commercial.

2347
01:46:01.635 --> 01:46:02.905
We're zone highway business.

2348
01:46:02.965 --> 01:46:05.025
If they do that, we will be blocked out.

2349
01:46:05.485 --> 01:46:08.545
You know, there's a meeting next Tuesday at 6:00 PM

2350
01:46:09.245 --> 01:46:10.745
to rezone our property.

2351
01:46:10.965 --> 01:46:12.865
If that happens, all the money

2352
01:46:12.865 --> 01:46:14.985
that we put into this all the time

2353
01:46:15.045 --> 01:46:16.825
and energy will be out the window.

2354
01:46:17.245 --> 01:46:18.505
We put out press release

2355
01:46:18.515 --> 01:46:20.985
after press release trying to get your attention.

2356
01:46:21.525 --> 01:46:23.025
Nobody responded to us.

2357
01:46:23.485 --> 01:46:26.505
We went to this town board meeting to

2358
01:46:27.585 --> 01:46:29.345
overturn this potential rezoning,

2359
01:46:29.365 --> 01:46:32.985
and we saw clearly by everybody there from the town

2360
01:46:32.985 --> 01:46:34.625
that they were opposed to cannabis.

2361
01:46:35.325 --> 01:46:38.185
The we were showed our property by Jay Schneiderman,

2362
01:46:38.345 --> 01:46:40.945
the old town supervisor of Southampton.

2363
01:46:41.295 --> 01:46:42.705
When he was moved out

2364
01:46:42.705 --> 01:46:44.145
and the new regime came in,

2365
01:46:44.375 --> 01:46:46.185
they are completely against cannabis.

2366
01:46:46.715 --> 01:46:49.605
Maria Moore has publicly said in the newspapers

2367
01:46:49.605 --> 01:46:52.045
that she does not want cannabis coming to her community.

2368
01:46:52.785 --> 01:46:57.005
We cannot do this fight alone. We need the OCMs help.

2369
01:46:57.705 --> 01:46:59.285
If nobody shows up to that meeting

2370
01:46:59.285 --> 01:47:01.925
besides us next Tuesday, we could be screwed.

2371
01:47:02.105 --> 01:47:04.685
And then all, all the money that my family

2372
01:47:04.785 --> 01:47:08.725
and friends invested in, trusted in us to open our store.

2373
01:47:09.215 --> 01:47:11.765
Trust me, when I tell you I will open my store,

2374
01:47:11.835 --> 01:47:13.725
whether I have to go to Supreme Court

2375
01:47:13.825 --> 01:47:17.645
and sue you, whether I have to sue the town, whatever I have

2376
01:47:17.645 --> 01:47:19.765
to do to open my store,

2377
01:47:20.275 --> 01:47:22.445
MOTS Hampton Green Grocer is going to happen.

2378
01:47:23.185 --> 01:47:26.405
So you either come with me to the Hamptons,

2379
01:47:26.705 --> 01:47:27.925
you answer my emails.

2380
01:47:28.205 --> 01:47:30.565
I see John all the time. I email him.

2381
01:47:30.795 --> 01:47:32.365
I've emailed Bill Rumsey.

2382
01:47:32.425 --> 01:47:34.805
We hired a lobbyist to come out and come

2383
01:47:34.805 --> 01:47:35.845
and contact you guys.

2384
01:47:36.065 --> 01:47:37.645
Nobody has responded.

2385
01:47:37.905 --> 01:47:39.765
You say you want my emails, you want me to call.

2386
01:47:39.765 --> 01:47:41.165
You tell I'm blue in the face. I already

2387
01:47:41.165 --> 01:47:42.285
called him four times this morning.

2388
01:47:43.315 --> 01:47:45.965
When the f**k are you guys gonna come and help us?

2389
01:47:47.345 --> 01:47:48.685
Why are we gonna come and help us?

2390
01:47:48.905 --> 01:47:52.165
The craziest thing, the craziest is the Shinnecock

2391
01:47:52.865 --> 01:47:56.005
has pulled their emblem from the town of South Hampton.

2392
01:47:56.005 --> 01:47:58.245
Please submit because of what's going on there. Sir,

2393
01:47:59.105 --> 01:48:00.925
Please, please submit your comments online

2394
01:48:00.945 --> 01:48:02.085
and we'll definitely take a look at it.

2395
01:48:03.225 --> 01:48:07.805
Audrey Bonano Williams followed Jocelyn Fenton.

2396
01:48:12.435 --> 01:48:15.725
Good afternoon, all. My name is Audrey Bonano Williams.

2397
01:48:16.145 --> 01:48:18.405
I'm one of the owners of Cannabis New York,

2398
01:48:18.555 --> 01:48:20.965
located in New Newport, New York, Hudson Valley.

2399
01:48:21.505 --> 01:48:25.325
Our license number is OCM Retail 2023,

2400
01:48:25.785 --> 01:48:29.445
the November Q 0 0 0 9 9 6.

2401
01:48:30.495 --> 01:48:33.405
We're here today to express our growing concern

2402
01:48:33.625 --> 01:48:36.525
and deep disappointment over the lack of transparency

2403
01:48:36.785 --> 01:48:39.965
and responsiveness from the Office of Cannabis Management

2404
01:48:40.435 --> 01:48:43.845
regarding our provisional license and location approval.

2405
01:48:44.545 --> 01:48:47.565
Our license was approved in February of 2025

2406
01:48:47.755 --> 01:48:50.805
with the stipulation that we find a new location

2407
01:48:50.985 --> 01:48:53.965
or submit our PCA waiver due

2408
01:48:53.965 --> 01:48:56.845
to a knee ride Microbusiness called the ery,

2409
01:48:57.235 --> 01:48:59.165
operating within 800 feet.

2410
01:48:59.195 --> 01:49:01.925
Proximity. Um, it's a microbusiness.

2411
01:49:02.785 --> 01:49:04.885
Um, despite submitting our application

2412
01:49:04.955 --> 01:49:08.325
with an executed lease, we now have a lease holder

2413
01:49:08.465 --> 01:49:10.045
for over two years and a half.

2414
01:49:10.695 --> 01:49:15.045
We've never received proximity protection, which acts OCM

2415
01:49:15.655 --> 01:49:19.845
never responded or clarified this during our deficiency.

2416
01:49:20.305 --> 01:49:22.965
Um, notice yet we just moved forward

2417
01:49:23.585 --> 01:49:28.505
and quickly submitted a request for a PCA waiver

2418
01:49:29.275 --> 01:49:31.585
along with all necessary documentation.

2419
01:49:32.035 --> 01:49:35.545
Since then, the process has become a nightmare, not

2420
01:49:35.545 --> 01:49:36.985
because of the regulations,

2421
01:49:37.085 --> 01:49:39.145
but due to the unreasonable delays

2422
01:49:39.245 --> 01:49:41.905
and lack of communication from OCM,

2423
01:49:42.475 --> 01:49:46.985
we've made repeated attempts to get updates of clarification

2424
01:49:47.555 --> 01:49:51.245
only to receive vague generic replies that do little

2425
01:49:51.305 --> 01:49:52.525
to help us move forward.

2426
01:49:52.995 --> 01:49:54.085
Then unexpectedly.

2427
01:49:54.105 --> 01:49:58.525
The weedery, the very reason, uh, our denial, um, for the,

2428
01:49:58.665 --> 01:50:03.205
um, of our, uh, PCA, I mean for our approval, um, has

2429
01:50:03.845 --> 01:50:05.725
recently closed their doors.

2430
01:50:06.385 --> 01:50:08.725
Um, their business is up for sale.

2431
01:50:09.225 --> 01:50:12.045
We submitted all of the documentation recently

2432
01:50:12.105 --> 01:50:14.725
and I wanna thank Nicholas Perry for responding

2433
01:50:14.725 --> 01:50:15.725
to an email finally.

2434
01:50:16.305 --> 01:50:18.045
And we stand here today asking

2435
01:50:18.435 --> 01:50:20.205
that you expedite this for us.

2436
01:50:20.465 --> 01:50:22.005
And thank you very much. Thank you.

2437
01:50:24.515 --> 01:50:28.245
Jocelyn Fenton, followed by Haja Ramano.

2438
01:50:33.785 --> 01:50:35.085
My name is Jocelyn Fenton

2439
01:50:35.085 --> 01:50:37.645
and I'm with Supreme Elevation, which is an adult use

2440
01:50:38.485 --> 01:50:41.325
minority woman owned retail dispensary application

2441
01:50:41.875 --> 01:50:44.805
that was placed in the top 100 of the December queue.

2442
01:50:45.285 --> 01:50:48.325
I stand before you today to dispel the false assumption

2443
01:50:48.355 --> 01:50:51.565
that the December applicants had no financial investment

2444
01:50:51.745 --> 01:50:53.365
beyond an application fee.

2445
01:50:54.145 --> 01:50:56.005
In our application process.

2446
01:50:56.705 --> 01:50:59.525
We were excited to be in the top 100 when the December queue

2447
01:50:59.545 --> 01:51:02.765
was released on March 11th, 2024.

2448
01:51:03.545 --> 01:51:06.085
But on April four, I'm sorry, on April 4th,

2449
01:51:06.105 --> 01:51:10.085
the OCM requested TPI fingerprints within 30 days.

2450
01:51:10.385 --> 01:51:14.565
In 2024, we submitted them April 23rd.

2451
01:51:14.705 --> 01:51:17.125
In 2024, well ahead of the deadline.

2452
01:51:17.305 --> 01:51:20.605
And the OCM communicated to us the same day and stated,

2453
01:51:20.945 --> 01:51:22.925
and I quote, you're all set now.

2454
01:51:22.925 --> 01:51:25.085
Thank you for your cooperation. End quote.

2455
01:51:25.545 --> 01:51:27.725
The only step left was a background check,

2456
01:51:27.975 --> 01:51:31.125
which we welcome given our TPI strong credentials.

2457
01:51:31.385 --> 01:51:33.285
As a result of that OCM email,

2458
01:51:33.745 --> 01:51:37.165
we spent considerable time real money on consultants,

2459
01:51:37.505 --> 01:51:40.565
on property, on preparation for a final license.

2460
01:51:41.515 --> 01:51:45.085
Then May 10th showed up without warning, an improper

2461
01:51:45.085 --> 01:51:48.285
and sudden rule change took place violating sappa under the

2462
01:51:48.285 --> 01:51:50.765
guise of a supplemental policy guidance,

2463
01:51:51.095 --> 01:51:53.405
which prioritized the entire November queue

2464
01:51:53.625 --> 01:51:55.285
and disregarded the December queue.

2465
01:51:56.345 --> 01:51:59.465
Enough's enough. Now is the time

2466
01:51:59.925 --> 01:52:01.865
to review the December queue.

2467
01:52:02.425 --> 01:52:06.705
I have heard earlier. Oh, well, we're gonna be doing it.

2468
01:52:06.705 --> 01:52:08.905
The December queue is almost over now.

2469
01:52:09.015 --> 01:52:12.545
It's, um, it's going to take to the fall. This is not cool.

2470
01:52:13.225 --> 01:52:15.265
Chairman Garcia, we are calling on you

2471
01:52:15.265 --> 01:52:17.065
to uphold the integrity of the process

2472
01:52:17.565 --> 01:52:20.625
and to do what's right every December queue Applicant

2473
01:52:20.625 --> 01:52:23.505
that was reviewed and there were plenty prior

2474
01:52:23.565 --> 01:52:26.305
to the rule change, should move forward

2475
01:52:26.365 --> 01:52:30.065
and be granted a provisional license before any second

2476
01:52:30.125 --> 01:52:33.665
or third application in the November queue showed

2477
01:52:33.685 --> 01:52:36.155
up. Thank you.

2478
01:52:36.525 --> 01:52:41.415
Thank you. Rama,

2479
01:52:41.735 --> 01:52:42.895
followed by Sean McGuire.

2480
01:52:43.755 --> 01:52:44.775
Hey, how are you? Um,

2481
01:52:45.265 --> 01:52:48.645
So I am a micro business applicant in the December queue.

2482
01:52:49.185 --> 01:52:51.765
Um, I really echo, uh,

2483
01:52:51.765 --> 01:52:54.005
what the previous speaker, uh, spoke about.

2484
01:52:54.305 --> 01:52:55.765
Um, I'm in the Long Island market

2485
01:52:55.855 --> 01:52:58.685
where there's eight retail dispensaries there, um,

2486
01:52:58.685 --> 01:53:02.205
that are averaging in $21.5 million a year.

2487
01:53:02.785 --> 01:53:04.485
Um, us being a micro business,

2488
01:53:04.485 --> 01:53:05.725
we're trying to add to the community.

2489
01:53:06.145 --> 01:53:09.645
Um, growers, uh, we've spent a lot

2490
01:53:09.645 --> 01:53:11.325
of money on, uh, investors.

2491
01:53:11.785 --> 01:53:13.725
Uh, we had no guidance whatsoever.

2492
01:53:14.225 --> 01:53:16.005
I'm pretty sure all of you know, the OCM does not

2493
01:53:16.005 --> 01:53:17.525
respond when you email them.

2494
01:53:17.585 --> 01:53:22.525
We all know this. So I've been emailing for 18 months, uh,

2495
01:53:22.555 --> 01:53:24.325
even just asking for a provisional.

2496
01:53:24.625 --> 01:53:26.045
So I'm not even at the point

2497
01:53:26.215 --> 01:53:28.285
where I see most people are up here

2498
01:53:28.825 --> 01:53:30.685
and saying how bad everything is.

2499
01:53:31.125 --> 01:53:32.525
I haven't even got a provisional yet,

2500
01:53:32.705 --> 01:53:35.005
and it's just me by myself.

2501
01:53:35.565 --> 01:53:38.125
I have lost over $50,000 alone.

2502
01:53:38.625 --> 01:53:42.005
And I know that might not seem big, especially to, uh,

2503
01:53:42.025 --> 01:53:43.965
big places on Long Island, like strain stars,

2504
01:53:44.665 --> 01:53:47.565
but to a little guy that's trying to get off the ground,

2505
01:53:47.935 --> 01:53:49.125
50,000 is a lot.

2506
01:53:49.625 --> 01:53:52.285
Um, I've left my other business as an appraiser.

2507
01:53:52.705 --> 01:53:54.685
Um, I've put all my savings into this.

2508
01:53:55.105 --> 01:53:58.045
So all I come here to ask is that you get a move on

2509
01:53:58.635 --> 01:54:01.925
with a December queue so I don't have to keep driving here

2510
01:54:02.705 --> 01:54:06.085
and going in front of everybody else who I think we all echo

2511
01:54:06.745 --> 01:54:07.885
the same problems.

2512
01:54:08.345 --> 01:54:10.805
And I think we've all read the, uh, letter on Reddit,

2513
01:54:11.145 --> 01:54:13.765
the leak letter from people who work at OCM,

2514
01:54:13.945 --> 01:54:16.645
and I'm starting to see that it's not a lie.

2515
01:54:17.135 --> 01:54:18.765
There, there are a lot of things

2516
01:54:18.765 --> 01:54:20.725
that they speak about that are true.

2517
01:54:21.225 --> 01:54:24.165
And, you know, I do thank all of you for allowing us

2518
01:54:24.185 --> 01:54:26.565
to speak, uh, all the hard work you have done.

2519
01:54:27.025 --> 01:54:30.325
But there are smaller people here that, you know,

2520
01:54:30.325 --> 01:54:31.605
we don't have millions of dollars.

2521
01:54:32.195 --> 01:54:35.045
It's just me. And, um, I've been hurting.

2522
01:54:35.505 --> 01:54:36.605
And the OCM,

2523
01:54:36.785 --> 01:54:38.365
at least the people there don't even really seem

2524
01:54:38.365 --> 01:54:39.925
to care, to be honest with you.

2525
01:54:40.185 --> 01:54:43.445
And that's the attitude that, um, I think a lot

2526
01:54:43.445 --> 01:54:44.725
of people are getting.

2527
01:54:45.345 --> 01:54:46.845
And, uh, I just wanted to, you know,

2528
01:54:46.845 --> 01:54:48.205
come here and, and say, Hey, listen.

2529
01:54:48.625 --> 01:54:50.685
Um, you know, I, I think I said my application, uh,

2530
01:54:50.755 --> 01:54:52.005
dank the lights in.

2531
01:54:52.545 --> 01:54:54.965
Um, you guys can look into it, that'd be great.

2532
01:54:55.025 --> 01:54:58.725
But I'd also ask you to look into everybody time, uh,

2533
01:54:58.785 --> 01:55:00.325
you know, everybody else's application.

2534
01:55:00.415 --> 01:55:01.415
Thank you. Thank you.

2535
01:55:02.905 --> 01:55:05.515
Sean McGuire, followed by Blair McSorley.

2536
01:55:09.055 --> 01:55:10.715
Um, hello, my name's Sean McGuire.

2537
01:55:11.255 --> 01:55:15.595
I'm here to speak about, uh, O-C-M-C-A-E-R-D, uh,

2538
01:55:15.815 --> 01:55:20.795
2 0 2 2 dash 0 816, uh, retail dispensary.

2539
01:55:21.575 --> 01:55:22.955
Um, I'm here today.

2540
01:55:23.015 --> 01:55:26.195
Uh, I'm at the finish line, uh, a fully built out, uh,

2541
01:55:26.195 --> 01:55:27.755
dispensary on the corner of, uh,

2542
01:55:27.755 --> 01:55:29.195
dirty Avenue and 10th Street in Manhattan.

2543
01:55:29.775 --> 01:55:32.275
Um, I received my provisional, uh, approval status,

2544
01:55:33.025 --> 01:55:35.235
July 29th, 2023.

2545
01:55:36.865 --> 01:55:39.405
And then, uh, we were prompted to, uh, sign a lease

2546
01:55:39.405 --> 01:55:41.245
to move on with the post application.

2547
01:55:41.265 --> 01:55:45.925
So I signed my lease November 23rd, uh, 2023,

2548
01:55:46.295 --> 01:55:48.965
which is, uh, 17, uh, 19 months ago.

2549
01:55:49.385 --> 01:55:51.285
So I've been paying, uh, 30,000 a month

2550
01:55:51.305 --> 01:55:52.565
for the last 19 months.

2551
01:55:53.185 --> 01:55:56.685
Um, it took seven months to get my proximity protection,

2552
01:55:56.685 --> 01:55:58.165
which seems pretty crazy.

2553
01:55:58.175 --> 01:56:01.245
Seven months times $30,000 just

2554
01:56:01.245 --> 01:56:02.765
to get the proximity protection.

2555
01:56:03.505 --> 01:56:07.565
Um, this February 5th, I received an email from, uh,

2556
01:56:07.565 --> 01:56:10.565
the OCM asking for, uh, my licensing agreement

2557
01:56:10.905 --> 01:56:12.245
for the name for my DBA.

2558
01:56:12.545 --> 01:56:14.445
Uh, I submitted that to them immediately.

2559
01:56:15.075 --> 01:56:19.725
Then four months later, I received, uh, an email asking me

2560
01:56:19.725 --> 01:56:22.165
to change one sentence in the licensing agreement.

2561
01:56:22.165 --> 01:56:24.645
Within 24 hours, uh, myself

2562
01:56:24.645 --> 01:56:27.205
and my attorney submitted the one sentence change.

2563
01:56:28.145 --> 01:56:31.125
And, uh, now it's been one month since we've submitted

2564
01:56:31.125 --> 01:56:32.885
that one sentence change to the agreement.

2565
01:56:33.345 --> 01:56:34.965
Uh, we're just waiting on an answer,

2566
01:56:35.065 --> 01:56:36.885
but from the past seven months waiting

2567
01:56:36.885 --> 01:56:38.925
for an answer in the past four months, waiting

2568
01:56:38.925 --> 01:56:41.245
for an answer, I just felt compelled to come here

2569
01:56:41.245 --> 01:56:44.445
and speak about it and, uh, put it in front of you guys.

2570
01:56:44.515 --> 01:56:47.085
It's literally one sentence, like on the I thank you,

2571
01:56:47.085 --> 01:56:48.805
redline did, I gave them the executed

2572
01:56:48.865 --> 01:56:51.405
and the red line so that they need to look at it

2573
01:56:51.405 --> 01:56:53.285
and just approve it so I can get to the next step.

2574
01:56:53.285 --> 01:56:54.565
Everything is in with compliance.

2575
01:56:55.105 --> 01:56:56.565
I'm literally at the finish line.

2576
01:56:56.725 --> 01:56:59.685
I have employees rent insurance, electric.

2577
01:56:59.715 --> 01:57:01.045
It's been going on for a long time.

2578
01:57:01.585 --> 01:57:05.365
Uh, $570,000 on rent alone, just waiting for responses.

2579
01:57:05.985 --> 01:57:07.485
And I don't, that's my retirement.

2580
01:57:07.545 --> 01:57:09.805
So I don't know how much longer I could sustain this.

2581
01:57:09.805 --> 01:57:11.325
I don't think I could wait four months for an answer.

2582
01:57:11.805 --> 01:57:13.645
I might have to stop time, sir.

2583
01:57:14.105 --> 01:57:16.525
Uh, can I give anyone any documents Yep. Yep.

2584
01:57:16.785 --> 01:57:20.605
Is does it have your, um, uh, your number on it? Yes. I

2585
01:57:20.605 --> 01:57:21.605
Was gonna ask you. Thank you so

2586
01:57:21.605 --> 01:57:22.045
much

2587
01:57:27.035 --> 01:57:29.615
Ley, followed by Greg Van Rodin.

2588
01:57:34.585 --> 01:57:36.435
Good afternoon Esteem members of the board

2589
01:57:36.705 --> 01:57:38.155
that the Cannabis Control Board.

2590
01:57:38.155 --> 01:57:40.315
And welcome Deputy, deputy Director Reed.

2591
01:57:40.695 --> 01:57:43.315
My name is Blair McSorley and I'm a proud native New Yorker

2592
01:57:43.315 --> 01:57:44.675
and legal cannabis professional.

2593
01:57:44.675 --> 01:57:47.155
With nearly a decade of experience in this industry,

2594
01:57:48.225 --> 01:57:49.795
I've dedicated years to this field

2595
01:57:49.795 --> 01:57:51.995
because I believe in cannabis, not just as a product,

2596
01:57:52.255 --> 01:57:53.835
but as a movement, a community,

2597
01:57:53.935 --> 01:57:55.995
and a career path that can uplift people,

2598
01:57:56.635 --> 01:57:57.795
families, and neighborhoods.

2599
01:57:58.485 --> 01:58:00.955
Today I speak not only for myself as a professional,

2600
01:58:01.175 --> 01:58:03.075
but for all the people whose livelihood

2601
01:58:03.215 --> 01:58:05.915
and families depend on the access to this opportunity.

2602
01:58:06.975 --> 01:58:09.195
On March 5th of this year, I was offered a role

2603
01:58:09.195 --> 01:58:11.715
with Happy 1 2 3 N-Y-C-L-L-C.

2604
01:58:11.865 --> 01:58:13.915
However, I was not able to begin work

2605
01:58:13.965 --> 01:58:15.475
until just this past Monday.

2606
01:58:16.695 --> 01:58:19.275
That's 110 days of waiting.

2607
01:58:20.455 --> 01:58:23.725
Um, sorry, I'm a little nervous.

2608
01:58:25.275 --> 01:58:27.525
It's 110 days of waiting for a job to begin.

2609
01:58:27.865 --> 01:58:30.365
Simply due to the pacing of the licensing process.

2610
01:58:31.225 --> 01:58:32.365
In March, my husband had

2611
01:58:32.365 --> 01:58:34.965
to go on disability resorting in a 40% loss

2612
01:58:34.965 --> 01:58:36.445
of our income for our household.

2613
01:58:37.085 --> 01:58:40.525
I pursued this job at Happy 1 2 3 N-Y-C-L-L-C

2614
01:58:40.525 --> 01:58:42.325
because I needed to step up for my family.

2615
01:58:42.665 --> 01:58:44.965
But like many New Yorkers, I couldn't afford

2616
01:58:44.965 --> 01:58:46.365
to just simply sit around and wait.

2617
01:58:47.485 --> 01:58:50.005
I had to continue working at my previous much low,

2618
01:58:50.035 --> 01:58:52.165
more paying job just to keep us afloat.

2619
01:58:53.195 --> 01:58:55.445
It's a deeply frustrating experience to know

2620
01:58:55.445 --> 01:58:57.485
that you're qualified, ready, and willing,

2621
01:58:57.745 --> 01:58:59.125
but unable to start working

2622
01:58:59.395 --> 01:59:01.205
because the green light hasn't come yet.

2623
01:59:01.585 --> 01:59:03.405
In New York City, people don't have months

2624
01:59:03.425 --> 01:59:04.805
to spare when it comes to feeding

2625
01:59:04.825 --> 01:59:06.045
our families or paying rent.

2626
01:59:07.145 --> 01:59:09.405
That's why I'm here today to express that.

2627
01:59:09.405 --> 01:59:12.045
Happy 1 2 3 N-Y-C-L-L-C is ready.

2628
01:59:12.615 --> 01:59:13.845
We're ready to open our doors.

2629
01:59:14.055 --> 01:59:16.965
We're ready to create reliable employment opportunities

2630
01:59:17.105 --> 01:59:20.925
for legal local candidates ready to operate responsibly

2631
01:59:20.925 --> 01:59:22.925
and compliantly in this burgeoning industry.

2632
01:59:23.495 --> 01:59:25.485
We're not just another business in the East Village.

2633
01:59:25.775 --> 01:59:26.965
We're a team of passionate

2634
01:59:26.985 --> 01:59:29.125
and professional people who believe cannabis can

2635
01:59:29.125 --> 01:59:30.365
unite and heal communities.

2636
01:59:31.225 --> 01:59:33.085
We just need the final inspection in your approval,

2637
01:59:33.865 --> 01:59:35.685
please allow us to move forward, not just

2638
01:59:35.685 --> 01:59:37.565
for the company. Thank you.

2639
01:59:38.415 --> 01:59:42.655
Thank you. Greg Van Rodin, followed by Kim Stutz.

2640
01:59:45.765 --> 01:59:50.655
Greg Van Rodin, or Roland? No.

2641
01:59:51.635 --> 01:59:56.495
Uh, Kim Stutz? No, not yet. Do we have a Kim? No.

2642
01:59:56.555 --> 01:59:57.695
No. All right. We're moving on

2643
01:59:57.695 --> 01:59:58.895
to the next list. There's a lot of you.

2644
01:59:59.295 --> 02:00:01.295
I should. That Kim? Oh, is Kim coming? Yeah.

2645
02:00:01.515 --> 02:00:03.735
Oh, wonderful. Thank you. Um,

2646
02:00:03.825 --> 02:00:08.415
after Kim, we have, um, oh, you all don't do me any favors.

2647
02:00:08.475 --> 02:00:11.855
Uh, marque Hayes, I think. Yes.

2648
02:00:14.255 --> 02:00:15.805
Hello. I'm Kim Stets

2649
02:00:15.865 --> 02:00:19.085
and I have a micro business in the December queue.

2650
02:00:19.955 --> 02:00:21.765
It's fuzzy farmer, LLC,

2651
02:00:21.945 --> 02:00:23.925
and I'm just up here on behalf of like,

2652
02:00:23.925 --> 02:00:24.925
let's get those open.

2653
02:00:25.055 --> 02:00:26.605
Let's get a chance to look at 'em.

2654
02:00:26.795 --> 02:00:29.325
There's a lot going on in this industry.

2655
02:00:29.675 --> 02:00:34.565
I've been in it since 2022 with, um, my partner

2656
02:00:34.945 --> 02:00:37.965
and we are, I'm a c applicant with, um,

2657
02:00:38.635 --> 02:00:40.965
another partner in this who's also a c applicant.

2658
02:00:41.225 --> 02:00:42.445
So I just wanna say, let's get

2659
02:00:42.465 --> 02:00:44.245
to the December queue, please.

2660
02:00:44.665 --> 02:00:47.325
The micro business, it's essential as part

2661
02:00:47.325 --> 02:00:48.445
of the whole picture for

2662
02:00:48.475 --> 02:00:49.765
what we're working on with our team.

2663
02:00:50.175 --> 02:00:53.285
Thank you. Thank you. Um,

2664
02:00:53.285 --> 02:00:55.645
after Marquis Hayes, uh, Jeffrey Hoffman,

2665
02:01:00.655 --> 02:01:01.715
if you could just line up closer

2666
02:01:01.715 --> 02:01:02.835
to the mic, so we're ready to go.

2667
02:01:09.835 --> 02:01:12.965
Good afternoon. My name is Marquis Hayes, uh, founder

2668
02:01:12.965 --> 02:01:14.085
of Brown Butter New York.

2669
02:01:15.625 --> 02:01:17.765
I'm gonna attempt to sing the unsung

2670
02:01:18.025 --> 02:01:19.525
for a city that eats its young.

2671
02:01:21.095 --> 02:01:23.675
My name is Marquis Hayes, owner of Brown Butter New York,

2672
02:01:23.795 --> 02:01:27.235
a licensed card dispensary located in Southampton, New York.

2673
02:01:27.375 --> 02:01:29.875
I'm writing today out of urgency and desperation.

2674
02:01:30.175 --> 02:01:32.075
My business is on the brink of collapse due

2675
02:01:32.075 --> 02:01:34.475
to ongoing municipal obstruction.

2676
02:01:35.275 --> 02:01:37.395
I need immediate support from OCM

2677
02:01:37.395 --> 02:01:39.445
and the Cannabis Control Board to survive.

2678
02:01:40.425 --> 02:01:43.605
We applied for licensure in September, 2022

2679
02:01:43.945 --> 02:01:45.285
as part of the card cohort.

2680
02:01:45.735 --> 02:01:49.285
While initial batch of provisional license was issued later

2681
02:01:49.285 --> 02:01:52.605
that year, brown butter was officially licensed June, 2024.

2682
02:01:53.105 --> 02:01:57.045
To date, we have invested over $1.8 million of personal

2683
02:01:57.585 --> 02:02:00.845
and partner capital into building a compliant community

2684
02:02:00.845 --> 02:02:01.965
center dispensary

2685
02:02:01.965 --> 02:02:04.485
with delivery operations ready to serve the region.

2686
02:02:05.155 --> 02:02:07.925
Despite meeting all state requirements, the town

2687
02:02:07.925 --> 02:02:10.965
of South Hampton is actively blocking our ability

2688
02:02:11.025 --> 02:02:12.925
to launch delivery, claiming

2689
02:02:12.925 --> 02:02:15.165
that a special exception in full site

2690
02:02:15.165 --> 02:02:16.645
plan approval are required.

2691
02:02:16.755 --> 02:02:19.245
Even though our location is not open to public

2692
02:02:19.585 --> 02:02:22.205
and is solely used for secure license Dispatch

2693
02:02:22.865 --> 02:02:26.485
the town references internal OCM communications

2694
02:02:26.585 --> 02:02:27.925
to justify this stance,

2695
02:02:28.385 --> 02:02:32.245
yet their interpretation directly contradicts Law 1 3 1,

2696
02:02:32.245 --> 02:02:35.885
section two, which preempts municipalities from creating

2697
02:02:36.285 --> 02:02:40.125
unreasonable and impractical barriers to licensed operation.

2698
02:02:40.745 --> 02:02:43.645
As a result, our delivery program has been stalled, our

2699
02:02:44.675 --> 02:02:47.705
reputation damage and our customer trust eroded.

2700
02:02:47.925 --> 02:02:50.345
We are at risk of losing everything, not due to lack

2701
02:02:50.345 --> 02:02:53.305
of effort or compliance, but because of conflicting guidance

2702
02:02:53.565 --> 02:02:57.065
and lack of timely support, we urgently need con,

2703
02:02:57.365 --> 02:02:58.705
the Cannabis Control Board

2704
02:02:58.805 --> 02:03:02.145
and OCM to reaffirm the municipalities cannot

2705
02:03:03.145 --> 02:03:06.065
prohibit deliveries when no express local law does.

2706
02:03:06.065 --> 02:03:09.545
So issues a formal clarification

2707
02:03:09.545 --> 02:03:11.345
or directive addressing the town

2708
02:03:11.345 --> 02:03:12.705
of South Hampton's obstruction

2709
02:03:12.765 --> 02:03:15.545
and swiftly to protect equity licenses from delays in

2710
02:03:15.545 --> 02:03:18.305
misinformation that threaten their viability.

2711
02:03:19.035 --> 02:03:20.035
Thank you.

2712
02:03:21.445 --> 02:03:23.775
Jeffrey Hoffman, followed by Benjamin Charles.

2713
02:03:26.765 --> 02:03:28.935
Good afternoon. My name is Jeffrey Hoffman.

2714
02:03:28.935 --> 02:03:30.975
I'm an attorney here in New York City.

2715
02:03:31.375 --> 02:03:34.455
I also represent a whole bunch of other organizations,

2716
02:03:34.805 --> 02:03:36.535
including the Cannabis Justice

2717
02:03:36.875 --> 02:03:39.815
and Equity Initiative, as well as nitra.

2718
02:03:40.855 --> 02:03:43.295
I first wanna thank the board on behalf of my clients

2719
02:03:43.395 --> 02:03:45.495
to whom you awarded licenses today,

2720
02:03:45.595 --> 02:03:47.175
or you approved their change

2721
02:03:47.175 --> 02:03:49.975
of locations in a variety of other elements.

2722
02:03:51.245 --> 02:03:54.375
Dickens wrote, it was the best of times, it was the worst

2723
02:03:54.395 --> 02:03:57.975
of times, and I do want folks to recognize that.

2724
02:03:59.015 --> 02:04:01.655
I do want folks to recognize that New York is doing

2725
02:04:02.125 --> 02:04:03.535
what no other state has done.

2726
02:04:03.595 --> 02:04:06.215
The number of licenses that are getting in the hands

2727
02:04:06.235 --> 02:04:08.455
of folks that do not look like me

2728
02:04:09.195 --> 02:04:12.095
is unprecedented in the United States of America.

2729
02:04:12.685 --> 02:04:13.935
That is the best of times.

2730
02:04:14.635 --> 02:04:17.415
The worst of times is what you are hearing through some

2731
02:04:17.415 --> 02:04:19.855
of these public comments and what you've been aware

2732
02:04:19.855 --> 02:04:21.415
of from other public comments.

2733
02:04:22.155 --> 02:04:24.775
Janice, who spoke here earlier, she's one of my clients.

2734
02:04:25.615 --> 02:04:28.175
I mentioned her situation in a previous board meeting.

2735
02:04:28.855 --> 02:04:32.135
I do appreciate Ms. Reed reaching out to us with the best

2736
02:04:32.135 --> 02:04:33.255
that the office could offer

2737
02:04:33.675 --> 02:04:35.815
and could be to apply for a PCA waiver.

2738
02:04:36.615 --> 02:04:40.405
I don't know that you guys making a mistake on proximity

2739
02:04:40.405 --> 02:04:43.805
protection, that the answer is apply for a waiver

2740
02:04:44.115 --> 02:04:46.485
that if you deny will be the end of her license.

2741
02:04:46.685 --> 02:04:48.365
I don't believe that's an appropriate outcome.

2742
02:04:48.995 --> 02:04:51.805
Many other people here in the room have expressed

2743
02:04:51.805 --> 02:04:53.045
to you their concerns.

2744
02:04:53.925 --> 02:04:57.565
I believe that the OCM is woefully underfunded

2745
02:04:57.865 --> 02:05:00.565
and does not have sufficient staff to deal

2746
02:05:00.565 --> 02:05:03.525
with the overwhelming task that they are dealing with.

2747
02:05:04.005 --> 02:05:07.245
I think the office is doing the best they can under the

2748
02:05:07.245 --> 02:05:08.565
circumstances that they have,

2749
02:05:09.305 --> 02:05:12.565
but somehow we need to work together to get the answers

2750
02:05:13.075 --> 02:05:15.365
that the folks in this room need.

2751
02:05:15.825 --> 02:05:17.645
It is critical. Thank you very much.

2752
02:05:18.175 --> 02:05:23.085
Thank you. Benjamin Charles, followed by Angela Laroche.

2753
02:05:28.375 --> 02:05:31.315
Either of them here. Benjamin Charles, Angela laroche.

2754
02:05:34.615 --> 02:05:37.755
Okay. Thank you Angela.

2755
02:05:37.815 --> 02:05:39.835
Um, after Angela, we have Evelyn Zapata.

2756
02:05:46.115 --> 02:05:47.765
Good day to the board and everyone here.

2757
02:05:47.945 --> 02:05:49.325
My name is Angela Laroche.

2758
02:05:49.325 --> 02:05:51.645
License number O-C-M-M-I-C-R

2759
02:05:52.185 --> 02:05:54.805
2 4 0 0 0 1 8 6.

2760
02:05:54.835 --> 02:05:57.645
From the November queue, I'm the sole founder

2761
02:05:57.785 --> 02:06:01.685
and owner of Green Club, a craft cannabis micro business.

2762
02:06:02.475 --> 02:06:05.645
Proudly born from my Trinidadian roots, raised in Brooklyn,

2763
02:06:06.185 --> 02:06:08.245
shaped by my undergrad at Manhattanville,

2764
02:06:08.245 --> 02:06:09.725
and purchased New York and sharpened

2765
02:06:09.725 --> 02:06:11.365
by my MBA from Cornell University.

2766
02:06:12.285 --> 02:06:13.885
I created Green Club five years ago.

2767
02:06:14.095 --> 02:06:17.925
Green Club is fully bootstrapped, no investors, just grit,

2768
02:06:18.445 --> 02:06:20.085
sacrifice and a belief in this dream.

2769
02:06:20.355 --> 02:06:24.085
Just me. I finally secured a location at South Street

2770
02:06:24.085 --> 02:06:27.205
Seaport in Manhattan, a perfect welcoming home

2771
02:06:27.305 --> 02:06:30.765
for a compliant community minded cannabis micro business.

2772
02:06:31.425 --> 02:06:34.525
But I cannot open despite doing everything

2773
02:06:34.525 --> 02:06:37.765
by the book approvals, paying rent, electric internet,

2774
02:06:37.775 --> 02:06:40.405
build out payroll, 400 k of debt.

2775
02:06:40.945 --> 02:06:43.085
I'm still waiting on one thing, a virtual inspection.

2776
02:06:44.205 --> 02:06:46.925
I followed up with OCM several times, um,

2777
02:06:47.345 --> 02:06:48.565
and this delay is crushing me.

2778
02:06:49.385 --> 02:06:51.365
I'm doing everything in my power to keep this alive,

2779
02:06:51.505 --> 02:06:52.965
and I just asked the OCM

2780
02:06:52.965 --> 02:06:55.485
to do its part in helping me in this final step.

2781
02:06:56.265 --> 02:06:58.085
You all have done incredible, uh,

2782
02:06:58.115 --> 02:07:00.405
work laying down the foundation of this industry.

2783
02:07:00.685 --> 02:07:01.725
I say that sincerely.

2784
02:07:01.755 --> 02:07:03.645
It's something that many of us probably couldn't do,

2785
02:07:04.425 --> 02:07:05.845
but I also do urge

2786
02:07:05.845 --> 02:07:07.965
that you consider revisiting the micro

2787
02:07:08.285 --> 02:07:09.765
business cultivation restriction.

2788
02:07:10.565 --> 02:07:13.565
Specifically the rule that ties us micros in Manhattan

2789
02:07:14.065 --> 02:07:18.685
to one county allowing a 25 mile radius instead, would,

2790
02:07:18.815 --> 02:07:21.925
would let businesses like mine operate growth sites in

2791
02:07:22.205 --> 02:07:24.285
Brooklyn or Queens where space

2792
02:07:24.305 --> 02:07:26.965
and costs make much more sense than being

2793
02:07:26.965 --> 02:07:28.085
forced to grow in Manhattan.

2794
02:07:28.905 --> 02:07:30.365
And the great words of Michael Jordan.

2795
02:07:30.955 --> 02:07:32.325
Some people want it to happen.

2796
02:07:32.635 --> 02:07:35.205
Some people wish it would happen. Others make it happen.

2797
02:07:36.185 --> 02:07:39.405
We want to succeed. I wanna succeed. Just want a shot.

2798
02:07:40.285 --> 02:07:42.965
Angelo from Green Club. O-C-M-M-I-C-R

2799
02:07:43.225 --> 02:07:45.685
2 4 0 0 0 1 8 6.

2800
02:07:45.695 --> 02:07:46.695
Thank you.

2801
02:07:48.785 --> 02:07:53.515
Thank you. Um, Evelyn Zapata followed, uh,

2802
02:07:53.655 --> 02:07:55.395
by Martine Aguiar.

2803
02:07:57.605 --> 02:08:01.115
Hello, I'm the CEO of the New York Cannabis Times.

2804
02:08:01.375 --> 02:08:03.235
I'm not gonna give you a hell of a lot of numbers

2805
02:08:03.665 --> 02:08:04.995
because I'm not a number.

2806
02:08:05.535 --> 02:08:07.275
Please look at me when I'm speaking to you.

2807
02:08:08.655 --> 02:08:13.435
Second, I am from the December queue. I am Q number 500.

2808
02:08:14.045 --> 02:08:15.715
Thank you for that. However,

2809
02:08:16.485 --> 02:08:19.595
after you closed the queue, December 17th, 2020 third,

2810
02:08:19.595 --> 02:08:24.195
which made me a 30 5-year-old vet from a

2811
02:08:24.195 --> 02:08:25.275
corner, right?

2812
02:08:26.255 --> 02:08:30.915
We had a, after you closed, we had 65 days after you closed.

2813
02:08:31.215 --> 02:08:34.075
We had a 45 day window to sue you for a speedy process.

2814
02:08:35.355 --> 02:08:38.985
Under Article 78, you've been distracted, right?

2815
02:08:39.685 --> 02:08:41.505
You are following the murder, right?

2816
02:08:41.685 --> 02:08:44.505
But the murder also says

2817
02:08:44.695 --> 02:08:48.145
that you should treat cannabis as liquor.

2818
02:08:48.675 --> 02:08:52.645
We're not special. So all these proximity protections,

2819
02:08:52.745 --> 02:08:54.805
I'm sorry everybody, some of y'all gonna have to learn how

2820
02:08:54.805 --> 02:08:57.125
to hustle from 300 to 500 feet.

2821
02:08:57.125 --> 02:08:59.445
This is a 20 million population state.

2822
02:08:59.945 --> 02:09:02.845
That's one Two Monday I'm filing

2823
02:09:03.485 --> 02:09:05.045
a lawsuit 'cause I'm not on your time.

2824
02:09:06.075 --> 02:09:09.565
July 29th, 2024, I was diagnosed with a tumor.

2825
02:09:09.985 --> 02:09:12.125
So I'm not on your time. I want my license.

2826
02:09:12.825 --> 02:09:15.045
I'm not waiting no four to six months, man.

2827
02:09:15.825 --> 02:09:18.905
I'm not two, two lawsuits

2828
02:09:18.905 --> 02:09:22.225
because I'm a, I'm a, I'm a capua this proximity

2829
02:09:22.225 --> 02:09:23.305
protection b******t.

2830
02:09:23.825 --> 02:09:26.305
'cause I am a boss that ruled the corner

2831
02:09:26.735 --> 02:09:28.865
with an iron f*****g panty.

2832
02:09:30.285 --> 02:09:33.825
And I had n****s at 150 feet. I'm not on your time.

2833
02:09:34.445 --> 02:09:35.665
Forget these two minutes.

2834
02:09:36.945 --> 02:09:41.625
I just told you I'm

2835
02:09:44.865 --> 02:09:45.865
Respectful, man.

2836
02:09:47.515 --> 02:09:50.935
For those other people, I'm a,

2837
02:09:52.435 --> 02:09:55.415
the only good thing about this is I'll see my parents.

2838
02:09:56.745 --> 02:10:01.005
That's great. But Monday, I'm with three lawsuit.

2839
02:10:01.945 --> 02:10:04.845
I'm the of a man that the I

2840
02:10:05.385 --> 02:10:07.405
by himself then became a lawyer.

2841
02:10:08.105 --> 02:10:10.805
My grandfather's a lawyer. My father's a lawyer.

2842
02:10:10.865 --> 02:10:11.965
My little brother's a lawyer.

2843
02:10:12.305 --> 02:10:14.325
I'm coming from a down with this f*****g ice school.

2844
02:10:14.905 --> 02:10:16.565
You could either given it to me within the

2845
02:10:16.565 --> 02:10:17.645
next 30 to 60 days.

2846
02:10:17.745 --> 02:10:19.685
I'm gonna give you that 30 to 60 days in time.

2847
02:10:20.435 --> 02:10:23.695
But you giving it to me, even if you're giving it

2848
02:10:23.695 --> 02:10:25.455
to me in a m***********g coffin,

2849
02:10:25.455 --> 02:10:28.855
because I'm gonna leave my brother with enough damages

2850
02:10:28.855 --> 02:10:29.975
to shut your ass down.

2851
02:10:30.715 --> 02:10:32.095
By the time I'm through with you,

2852
02:10:32.235 --> 02:10:36.765
you're gonna have a wing at OCM say, dedicated to evidence,

2853
02:10:37.465 --> 02:10:40.805
all the evidence that people that don't have,

2854
02:10:40.805 --> 02:10:42.765
because I stopped happening for y'all.

2855
02:10:42.765 --> 02:10:44.005
That's what you asked for.

2856
02:10:44.505 --> 02:10:47.085
You asked us to behave. Ma'am.

2857
02:10:47.695 --> 02:10:49.485
Ma'am, we have it's time. We can talk after

2858
02:10:59.625 --> 02:11:02.195
Martine Aguiar followed by Ka

2859
02:11:04.025 --> 02:11:05.025
Something. Ah,

2860
02:11:05.025 --> 02:11:07.435
that's tough to, that's tough

2861
02:11:07.435 --> 02:11:08.435
To follow, ma'am.

2862
02:11:08.435 --> 02:11:09.995
I pray for you in my prayers.

2863
02:11:10.655 --> 02:11:15.035
Please. I'm sorry. So my name is Martina Aguiar.

2864
02:11:15.055 --> 02:11:16.875
I'm, I'm application number, uh,

2865
02:11:17.045 --> 02:11:19.915
8 5 8 from the 2022 application.

2866
02:11:19.915 --> 02:11:22.795
So the social justice way back then, we were granted, uh,

2867
02:11:22.795 --> 02:11:25.395
the provisional license, uh, last July,

2868
02:11:25.855 --> 02:11:27.795
but now we're facing a deadline of this July.

2869
02:11:27.875 --> 02:11:30.275
'cause you only have a a year to get everything in order.

2870
02:11:31.255 --> 02:11:33.715
My, my my comment is, is that

2871
02:11:33.745 --> 02:11:36.875
because we wait so long for the application to gets approved

2872
02:11:36.895 --> 02:11:40.275
and get to the original stage, things happen in the interim

2873
02:11:40.275 --> 02:11:42.075
of that, which, you know, then you have new

2874
02:11:42.075 --> 02:11:43.315
staff, new this, new that.

2875
02:11:43.315 --> 02:11:44.755
Places where like, like a lot, a lot

2876
02:11:44.755 --> 02:11:45.835
of these people are complaining about.

2877
02:11:46.925 --> 02:11:49.865
The email I just received says that literally

2878
02:11:50.605 --> 02:11:53.145
you are not giving extensions on the provisional license if

2879
02:11:53.145 --> 02:11:55.225
you haven't completed the other part of it.

2880
02:11:56.205 --> 02:11:57.945
So is the, I just wanna know a way of getting,

2881
02:11:58.185 --> 02:11:59.545
'cause these people are waiting for,

2882
02:11:59.885 --> 02:12:01.065
to get a provisional license, but don't,

2883
02:12:01.065 --> 02:12:02.305
what they don't understand is the next step

2884
02:12:02.305 --> 02:12:05.745
after that is months and months of more delays

2885
02:12:05.745 --> 02:12:09.385
or more confusions or, or more no responses.

2886
02:12:09.405 --> 02:12:12.465
And, and then you're put now into a, a, a

2887
02:12:13.045 --> 02:12:16.835
300 like a year dilemma of you can't get it done

2888
02:12:17.775 --> 02:12:19.875
and your application's gonna completely be thrown out.

2889
02:12:19.975 --> 02:12:22.595
So I just wanted to know like if there's any way

2890
02:12:22.595 --> 02:12:24.755
of getting an extension or if you can change that process.

2891
02:12:25.135 --> 02:12:28.155
So it's application number 8 58 from the 2022

2892
02:12:28.295 --> 02:12:29.475
social justice reform.

2893
02:12:29.575 --> 02:12:31.995
So it was minority, all women owned, disadvantaged,

2894
02:12:32.555 --> 02:12:35.435
socially affected, fit, all the above categories.

2895
02:12:35.455 --> 02:12:37.635
Had a property that we actually owned

2896
02:12:37.635 --> 02:12:39.035
through a nonprofit organization.

2897
02:12:39.095 --> 02:12:40.115
All those things that we have.

2898
02:12:40.335 --> 02:12:41.355
So we had all things in order,

2899
02:12:41.355 --> 02:12:43.395
but it was just delays in the non-transparency

2900
02:12:43.575 --> 02:12:45.755
and not being able to get responses.

2901
02:12:45.815 --> 02:12:47.235
And now we are facing, uh,

2902
02:12:47.235 --> 02:12:48.875
getting the whole thing just thrown out.

2903
02:12:48.875 --> 02:12:51.855
Because once we got the provisional acceptance,

2904
02:12:51.875 --> 02:12:54.055
you only gave us a year to get

2905
02:12:54.635 --> 02:12:56.255
the ducks in a row. Thank you.

2906
02:12:56.715 --> 02:12:59.935
Mm-hmm. Thank you. Help that lady,

2907
02:13:00.525 --> 02:13:02.895
Someone on the team can answer your question on process.

2908
02:13:04.795 --> 02:13:06.585
After the meeting, someone on the team

2909
02:13:06.585 --> 02:13:07.785
can answer your question on process.

2910
02:13:09.835 --> 02:13:12.465
Kaste, uh, followed by David, Nick Pansky,

2911
02:13:16.895 --> 02:13:19.885
Thank you OCM for allowing us to comment here.

2912
02:13:20.345 --> 02:13:24.005
And congrats, Jessica, for having this position.

2913
02:13:24.315 --> 02:13:27.925
What you just did today, like gives us hope.

2914
02:13:28.165 --> 02:13:29.725
I feel like, um,

2915
02:13:29.755 --> 02:13:32.525
because people don't really understand

2916
02:13:33.715 --> 02:13:36.805
that if we flood the market, the market collapsed.

2917
02:13:36.805 --> 02:13:40.645
Right? And that's why we're creating this alliance cranny,

2918
02:13:41.405 --> 02:13:42.885
cannabis Retail Alliance of New York.

2919
02:13:43.025 --> 02:13:46.925
We already have five operating dispensaries that are aligned

2920
02:13:46.925 --> 02:13:48.645
and we have like 20 plus people

2921
02:13:48.645 --> 02:13:50.165
that are waiting to get on board.

2922
02:13:50.585 --> 02:13:55.165
So we launching that July 9th next, uh, in a week or so.

2923
02:13:55.745 --> 02:13:58.085
Uh, so if you wanna know more information, anybody

2924
02:13:58.085 --> 02:14:00.765
that's operating in retail, please reach out.

2925
02:14:00.785 --> 02:14:03.525
We have a lot of, a lot of resources that we could offer.

2926
02:14:03.945 --> 02:14:06.725
So you can not only save money on what you already spending

2927
02:14:06.985 --> 02:14:09.365
and just work, work smarter, not harder.

2928
02:14:10.105 --> 02:14:13.285
On top of that. I'm here to complain too,

2929
02:14:13.285 --> 02:14:17.945
because there, there's how many people are here, right?

2930
02:14:18.095 --> 02:14:22.185
Like, this is crazy. How many people are here in this room?

2931
02:14:22.845 --> 02:14:25.305
In this room right here? Not many.

2932
02:14:25.885 --> 02:14:29.665
We could solve these issues right now in this room, right?

2933
02:14:30.365 --> 02:14:32.665
We could solve Evelyn's issue.

2934
02:14:33.125 --> 02:14:35.345
We could solve Jeremy, these issues in these,

2935
02:14:35.475 --> 02:14:37.025
these rooms right here.

2936
02:14:37.175 --> 02:14:39.145
This is not, we are not, wait, we are not dealing

2937
02:14:39.175 --> 02:14:40.385
with a thousand emails.

2938
02:14:41.175 --> 02:14:43.945
There's a hundred people here, right?

2939
02:14:44.525 --> 02:14:47.705
So let's, every month I lost, I,

2940
02:14:47.825 --> 02:14:49.625
I took a chance on a location, right?

2941
02:14:49.765 --> 02:14:52.585
For a card applicant. I lost 40 grand, right?

2942
02:14:53.085 --> 02:14:56.505
For seven feet and 10 inches. Seven feet and 10 inches.

2943
02:14:56.745 --> 02:14:59.305
I took a gamble. I understand the law, right?

2944
02:15:00.165 --> 02:15:02.705
But it's crazy for these individuals, right?

2945
02:15:02.705 --> 02:15:05.585
The MRTA was written for the little guy to win, right?

2946
02:15:06.165 --> 02:15:08.905
The little guy to win the little small farmers to win

2947
02:15:09.325 --> 02:15:10.545
and us to win that.

2948
02:15:10.545 --> 02:15:13.705
People that's been on the block for years suffering, right?

2949
02:15:14.485 --> 02:15:18.785
So over 40 feet, that man told me he, he's fighting 40 feet.

2950
02:15:18.815 --> 02:15:21.265
He's paying, he lost a half a million dollars.

2951
02:15:21.695 --> 02:15:24.305
Alright, and then one more last thing, right? We're

2952
02:15:24.305 --> 02:15:25.305
We're out of time. I'm so sorry.

2953
02:15:25.305 --> 02:15:26.825
Sorry. If you could submit your comments

2954
02:15:26.825 --> 02:15:28.105
online, we'll definitely read them.

2955
02:15:29.825 --> 02:15:34.545
I just wanna say, yo, thank you for what you did today.

2956
02:15:34.745 --> 02:15:37.345
'cause it really gives me hope in this industry

2957
02:15:37.815 --> 02:15:41.105
that we're gonna really analyze this s**t the right way

2958
02:15:41.605 --> 02:15:43.505
and do the right thing for the right people.

2959
02:15:43.885 --> 02:15:46.185
So let's solve these. Thank you.

2960
02:15:46.875 --> 02:15:49.865
David Nappi, followed by Omari Eastman.

2961
02:15:50.505 --> 02:15:51.945
I very much agree with SSA's.

2962
02:15:51.945 --> 02:15:54.145
Last point there about the PCA rejection. Thank you.

2963
02:15:54.485 --> 02:15:56.625
Uh, hello everyone. I'm David Nick Poky, a director

2964
02:15:56.625 --> 02:15:59.145
of the cannabis retail Association, owner operator

2965
02:15:59.325 --> 02:16:02.145
and co-founder of Freshly Baked Family, minority Justice,

2966
02:16:02.245 --> 02:16:04.225
and woman-owned retail dispensary business.

2967
02:16:04.845 --> 02:16:06.465
Uh, first a warm, uh, welcome.

2968
02:16:06.465 --> 02:16:07.865
Congratulations to you, Ms. Garcia.

2969
02:16:08.075 --> 02:16:10.665
We're very happy to see you in this position. Uh, welcome.

2970
02:16:11.465 --> 02:16:12.625
I imagine you all are very tired

2971
02:16:12.625 --> 02:16:13.865
of hearing me say this every month.

2972
02:16:13.985 --> 02:16:15.705
I know I'm tired of saying it, but the state

2973
02:16:15.705 --> 02:16:18.225
and city are dramatically failing at enforcement

2974
02:16:18.345 --> 02:16:19.625
against the illegal market.

2975
02:16:19.895 --> 02:16:21.385
Illegal operators continue

2976
02:16:21.385 --> 02:16:23.745
to operate openly confusing customers as to

2977
02:16:23.745 --> 02:16:25.985
who are legal retail businesses and who are not.

2978
02:16:26.285 --> 02:16:28.705
And there continues to be no effective enforcement action

2979
02:16:28.705 --> 02:16:30.925
being, being taken to fix this in Bronx County.

2980
02:16:31.425 --> 02:16:32.485
For the last 14 months,

2981
02:16:32.515 --> 02:16:35.365
I've been repeatedly reporting the dozen closest illegal

2982
02:16:35.365 --> 02:16:36.965
stores around us to both the city

2983
02:16:36.985 --> 02:16:39.365
and state enforcement personnel and reporting systems.

2984
02:16:39.965 --> 02:16:42.445
I simultaneously send copies to individual staff members,

2985
02:16:42.445 --> 02:16:44.045
enforcement leaders, elected officials,

2986
02:16:44.105 --> 02:16:46.125
and the state tax crimes enforcement division.

2987
02:16:46.785 --> 02:16:48.205
All of these groups have promised

2988
02:16:48.205 --> 02:16:49.445
enforcement around our store.

2989
02:16:49.785 --> 02:16:52.485
We were specifically assured on January 7th of this year

2990
02:16:52.485 --> 02:16:53.725
that they would be prioritized

2991
02:16:53.725 --> 02:16:55.125
and handled soon by New York

2992
02:16:55.125 --> 02:16:56.565
State's Director of Enforcement.

2993
02:16:57.045 --> 02:16:58.405
I am sure you know where I'm going with this.

2994
02:16:58.675 --> 02:16:59.965
Here we are six months later

2995
02:16:59.985 --> 02:17:01.245
and we've just hit a milestone

2996
02:17:01.245 --> 02:17:03.445
during the recent street fair around our store.

2997
02:17:04.065 --> 02:17:07.165
The grand opening of a new illegal dispensary,

2998
02:17:07.675 --> 02:17:09.805
meaning there are now twice as many

2999
02:17:09.805 --> 02:17:11.605
of them open within three blocks of us

3000
02:17:11.625 --> 02:17:13.725
as there were when we opened 14 months ago.

3001
02:17:14.025 --> 02:17:18.885
That's insane. This happened during a children's fair.

3002
02:17:18.985 --> 02:17:20.645
The fair was surrounded on all sides

3003
02:17:20.665 --> 02:17:22.725
by the other five closest illegal stores.

3004
02:17:23.025 --> 02:17:25.325
We sent evidence of this to the sheriffs

3005
02:17:25.325 --> 02:17:28.205
and the state well in advance that this was happening.

3006
02:17:28.625 --> 02:17:30.485
We, uh, the receipt of this was acknowledged

3007
02:17:30.485 --> 02:17:31.645
by the New York City Sheriffs.

3008
02:17:31.745 --> 02:17:32.965
No enforcement takes place.

3009
02:17:34.995 --> 02:17:36.285
Meanwhile, on Wednesday,

3010
02:17:36.305 --> 02:17:39.005
we had a surprise OCM inspection at our store to make sure

3011
02:17:39.005 --> 02:17:40.125
that our colors aren't too bright

3012
02:17:40.125 --> 02:17:41.965
and our vendor brand logos can't be seen

3013
02:17:41.965 --> 02:17:43.125
from outside the store.

3014
02:17:43.475 --> 02:17:45.845
Fine, we're licensed and we have to comply. That's fine.

3015
02:17:45.865 --> 02:17:47.005
But it's a slap in the face

3016
02:17:47.025 --> 02:17:49.965
to have us being driven into bankruptcy due to the state

3017
02:17:49.965 --> 02:17:52.325
and city enforcement agency's apathy

3018
02:17:52.325 --> 02:17:55.605
and neglect over the growing illegal store problem.

3019
02:17:56.815 --> 02:17:58.605
Thank you. Needs to be Addressed. Fix it.

3020
02:17:59.585 --> 02:18:02.805
So, um, unfortunately we're getting really close to time.

3021
02:18:03.065 --> 02:18:04.485
I'm gonna call the next five folks

3022
02:18:04.625 --> 02:18:06.085
and that may be it for today.

3023
02:18:06.215 --> 02:18:07.765
We'll, we'll see how we proceed.

3024
02:18:07.945 --> 02:18:09.245
Um, and so as a reminder,

3025
02:18:09.265 --> 02:18:10.925
you have the QR codes on the desks.

3026
02:18:11.065 --> 02:18:14.165
We encourage you to submit your comments, um,

3027
02:18:14.225 --> 02:18:15.565
online if we don't get to you.

3028
02:18:16.665 --> 02:18:19.165
Um, Omar Eman, followed by Kate.

3029
02:18:20.345 --> 02:18:22.405
Hi, Clayton Robertson.

3030
02:18:22.405 --> 02:18:26.125
Garrett ing and 1 2 3 4.

3031
02:18:27.075 --> 02:18:29.165
Omar Eastman, Kate Horn.

3032
02:18:31.065 --> 02:18:34.645
Hi, uh, Herby Mby, Clayton Robertson, Garrett Ing,

3033
02:18:34.645 --> 02:18:35.925
and Danny Kogan.

3034
02:18:37.535 --> 02:18:39.885
Hello. Good morning. Oh yeah, good morning.

3035
02:18:40.145 --> 02:18:42.485
Um, I'm a micro business applicant.

3036
02:18:42.595 --> 02:18:44.085
Just me, my dad and my brother.

3037
02:18:44.505 --> 02:18:46.485
And, uh, we just want like a little bit more,

3038
02:18:47.005 --> 02:18:49.165
I guess expedience when it comes to that.

3039
02:18:49.385 --> 02:18:54.185
And also I don't share the same, uh, settlements as, uh,

3040
02:18:54.325 --> 02:18:57.785
the, the other guys that say we need like less saturation.

3041
02:18:57.785 --> 02:19:00.265
We need a little bit more because there's delis on

3042
02:19:00.265 --> 02:19:01.385
every corner selling weed.

3043
02:19:01.885 --> 02:19:04.225
And like, the reason why they don't go to dispensaries

3044
02:19:04.225 --> 02:19:05.545
and they go to the delis is

3045
02:19:05.705 --> 02:19:07.345
'cause they sell better weed with cheaper prices.

3046
02:19:07.885 --> 02:19:09.385
So like, that's a big reason why you'll

3047
02:19:09.385 --> 02:19:10.425
see sales going down.

3048
02:19:11.005 --> 02:19:13.065
So like, that's just, that's just how I feel.

3049
02:19:13.485 --> 02:19:14.625
But you talk to people in the hood

3050
02:19:14.685 --> 02:19:18.585
or anybody else, they go the regular people. So thank you.

3051
02:19:18.795 --> 02:19:21.925
Thank you Kate.

3052
02:19:24.025 --> 02:19:26.325
Him be, if you could just say your name. It's Kate Ruby.

3053
02:19:26.325 --> 02:19:30.485
Sorry. Silent H um, check, uh, uh, anyway,

3054
02:19:30.545 --> 02:19:31.925
um, so I'm Kate Ruby.

3055
02:19:32.105 --> 02:19:34.325
Um, I'm a lobbyist, a regulatory consultant.

3056
02:19:34.525 --> 02:19:37.045
I wanted to congratulate you, Jessica, on your, um,

3057
02:19:37.045 --> 02:19:38.125
appointment to the board.

3058
02:19:38.385 --> 02:19:41.445
Um, I think it was like, I don't know, nine months ago

3059
02:19:41.445 --> 02:19:43.605
that I testified about the PCA waiver.

3060
02:19:44.025 --> 02:19:47.085
And I felt like you were listening and I felt like John

3061
02:19:47.085 --> 02:19:48.445
and Pat were listening

3062
02:19:49.025 --> 02:19:52.245
and I am very, you know, I think it's, um, a,

3063
02:19:52.765 --> 02:19:54.405
a good compromise what we have that,

3064
02:19:54.405 --> 02:19:55.605
that we are now adopting.

3065
02:19:55.745 --> 02:19:57.165
And I appreciate you listening.

3066
02:19:57.665 --> 02:19:59.525
Um, I also appreciate the no vote

3067
02:19:59.625 --> 02:20:01.005
and the office might not like that,

3068
02:20:01.005 --> 02:20:02.685
but y'all are not a rubber stamp

3069
02:20:02.705 --> 02:20:03.925
and I think that you know that.

3070
02:20:04.345 --> 02:20:06.445
Um, and that's good. We're here to deliberate.

3071
02:20:06.445 --> 02:20:08.845
We're here as a democratic, you know, society

3072
02:20:08.985 --> 02:20:10.525
to, to consider this program.

3073
02:20:10.785 --> 02:20:14.085
Um, on that note, um, I was pleased,

3074
02:20:14.565 --> 02:20:16.685
although somewhat concerned to see

3075
02:20:16.685 --> 02:20:19.005
that the Cannabis showcase regulations have not

3076
02:20:19.005 --> 02:20:21.205
yet hit the register from May.

3077
02:20:21.665 --> 02:20:24.165
Um, I think they need a lot of work, um,

3078
02:20:24.525 --> 02:20:26.325
specifically when they come to micro businesses.

3079
02:20:26.325 --> 02:20:28.765
And John May disagree, although you're going on vacation.

3080
02:20:28.985 --> 02:20:31.885
So on a

3081
02:20:32.045 --> 02:20:34.805
vacation, probably probably harder work.

3082
02:20:35.265 --> 02:20:37.405
But specifically when it comes to, um,

3083
02:20:37.405 --> 02:20:38.845
micro business's ability to,

3084
02:20:38.865 --> 02:20:40.725
to participate on the retail side

3085
02:20:40.725 --> 02:20:43.605
because they are authorized as retailers.

3086
02:20:43.785 --> 02:20:46.325
And if you are to say, well, they're only supposed

3087
02:20:46.325 --> 02:20:47.845
to sell their own product, yes,

3088
02:20:48.465 --> 02:20:52.245
but much like other, um, uh, uh,

3089
02:20:52.335 --> 02:20:53.645
folks in the supply chain,

3090
02:20:53.975 --> 02:20:56.125
micro businesses under 1 23 point 11

3091
02:20:56.145 --> 02:20:59.845
and 1 23 point 12 are authorized to both purchase

3092
02:21:00.525 --> 02:21:04.365
purchase cannabis flour from, um, cultivators as well as,

3093
02:21:04.625 --> 02:21:05.845
um, send their products out

3094
02:21:05.845 --> 02:21:08.125
for processing without giving over title and take it back.

3095
02:21:08.465 --> 02:21:10.965
So there are other entities, if they choose,

3096
02:21:11.135 --> 02:21:13.125
which they should be allowed just like an ROD

3097
02:21:13.125 --> 02:21:16.205
to choose which in what capacity they participate,

3098
02:21:16.355 --> 02:21:19.405
they should be able to, to participate as retailers,

3099
02:21:19.405 --> 02:21:21.485
meaning they can use their site, they can organize an event.

3100
02:21:21.485 --> 02:21:23.965
They can also participate in pop-ups and,

3101
02:21:24.065 --> 02:21:25.765
and uh, pop-up locations as well.

3102
02:21:26.145 --> 02:21:28.205
And they can bring on, if they have a processor

3103
02:21:28.205 --> 02:21:31.245
that further process their flour, they could have them, uh,

3104
02:21:31.355 --> 02:21:33.285
participate as a production side licensee.

3105
02:21:33.285 --> 02:21:35.925
They could also have a cultivator from which they brought

3106
02:21:36.175 --> 02:21:38.645
flour and then further process and participate.

3107
02:21:38.785 --> 02:21:41.125
So anyway, food for thought. Thank you. Thank you so much.

3108
02:21:41.865 --> 02:21:45.245
Um, Clayton Robertson, followed by Garin ing.

3109
02:21:45.955 --> 02:21:48.285
Yeah, hi, I'm Clayton Robertson.

3110
02:21:48.345 --> 02:21:49.805
I'm just a manager at Third Rock

3111
02:21:49.805 --> 02:21:51.445
dispensary in South Glens Falls.

3112
02:21:52.025 --> 02:21:55.365
Um, I didn't know the public comment if it's

3113
02:21:55.365 --> 02:21:56.445
not for today's agenda.

3114
02:21:56.495 --> 02:21:59.365
Sorry. The, uh, at our dispensary,

3115
02:21:59.365 --> 02:22:02.525
we started scanning the COAs and we noticed like the yeast

3116
02:22:02.525 --> 02:22:04.205
and mold and then aerobic bacteria.

3117
02:22:04.985 --> 02:22:06.965
We have some of 'em that have literally like

3118
02:22:07.035 --> 02:22:09.045
9 million yeast and mold and stuff.

3119
02:22:09.185 --> 02:22:11.405
The other states most limits are 10,000.

3120
02:22:11.875 --> 02:22:13.325
Some states are a hundred thousand.

3121
02:22:13.505 --> 02:22:16.165
And I saw that from my research in New York.

3122
02:22:16.305 --> 02:22:17.885
Got rid of the limit total.

3123
02:22:17.915 --> 02:22:19.605
Like we test for yeast and mold,

3124
02:22:19.625 --> 02:22:22.605
but they got rid of a limit in 2024.

3125
02:22:23.505 --> 02:22:27.285
And I just don't see why, like, I have my bachelor's,

3126
02:22:27.465 --> 02:22:29.485
I'm not a scientist, but I know yeast

3127
02:22:29.505 --> 02:22:30.765
and mold are different,

3128
02:22:31.225 --> 02:22:35.725
but I would rather not smoke mold than like,

3129
02:22:36.155 --> 02:22:39.165
from what I found the research was a bottleneck, is

3130
02:22:39.165 --> 02:22:42.125
that the cultivators couldn't meet the standards.

3131
02:22:42.825 --> 02:22:45.365
So I feel like it should be a hard standard.

3132
02:22:45.465 --> 02:22:47.565
If you can't meet the standard, why are you getting rid

3133
02:22:47.565 --> 02:22:50.885
of the standard and having people smoke moldy weed? So

3134
02:22:51.095 --> 02:22:52.085
Thank you for that. That's

3135
02:22:52.085 --> 02:22:56.445
All Garing and Danny Kogan,

3136
02:22:59.945 --> 02:23:00.945
How you doing? My name is Danny

3137
02:23:00.945 --> 02:23:01.645
Kogan,

3138
02:23:02.325 --> 02:23:06.685
O-C-M-R-E-T-L 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 6 5 0.

3139
02:23:06.885 --> 02:23:11.205
I submitted my retail application October 15th, 2 0 2 3

3140
02:23:12.075 --> 02:23:13.205
with my secure lease.

3141
02:23:13.345 --> 02:23:16.485
My notice to the municipality, the lottery pushed me over

3142
02:23:16.485 --> 02:23:18.125
to the end of the line today.

3143
02:23:18.125 --> 02:23:19.725
There's no more queue.

3144
02:23:20.945 --> 02:23:23.685
Um, I saw the examiner on

3145
02:23:23.695 --> 02:23:28.685
March, 2025 because of my 1855.

3146
02:23:29.825 --> 02:23:32.725
Um, he went over my application.

3147
02:23:32.825 --> 02:23:35.085
That's why everybody's in process.

3148
02:23:36.225 --> 02:23:40.085
Um, if we were not in process, he would be read.

3149
02:23:40.825 --> 02:23:43.005
So I'm not sure why John was saying that.

3150
02:23:43.185 --> 02:23:48.015
Um, once you're in process is good, you're either in process

3151
02:23:48.555 --> 02:23:49.575
or your deficiency.

3152
02:23:50.875 --> 02:23:54.295
So everybody who's in process with the other 400 people,

3153
02:23:54.605 --> 02:23:56.415
that means that our application is good.

3154
02:23:57.555 --> 02:23:59.695
You know, if we were not in process,

3155
02:23:59.805 --> 02:24:00.935
that means that we're deficient.

3156
02:24:02.035 --> 02:24:03.735
So I don't know why I'm still

3157
02:24:04.955 --> 02:24:06.495
not getting my provisional license.

3158
02:24:07.925 --> 02:24:10.905
So I don't know where I stand right now. Can I give you

3159
02:24:10.905 --> 02:24:11.905
Paperwork? Yes, please.

3160
02:24:11.905 --> 02:24:15.785
Uh, you or Danny Cogan.

3161
02:24:16.845 --> 02:24:20.305
All right, so what we have, we'll have limited time

3162
02:24:20.305 --> 02:24:24.225
for one more Hamid Michael, and the end that.

3163
02:24:24.245 --> 02:24:24.465
Yep.

3164
02:24:30.695 --> 02:24:31.345
Good afternoon.

3165
02:24:31.925 --> 02:24:33.025
Uh, chairwoman, uh,

3166
02:24:33.045 --> 02:24:35.105
Ms. Garcia Commissioner and members of the board.

3167
02:24:35.275 --> 02:24:37.985
First, congratulations to Ms. Garcia, uh,

3168
02:24:38.085 --> 02:24:39.265
on your appointment.

3169
02:24:39.365 --> 02:24:41.945
Uh, as chair of the Cannabis Control Board,

3170
02:24:42.265 --> 02:24:45.825
I sincerely hope your leadership ushers in a renewed era

3171
02:24:46.165 --> 02:24:49.505
of transparency, accountability, and fairness at the office.

3172
02:24:50.205 --> 02:24:52.265
My name is Hamid Michael Oli, and I'm a founder

3173
02:24:52.325 --> 02:24:54.105
and, uh, owner of I dispense.

3174
02:24:54.185 --> 02:24:57.185
NYCI come before you, not just as a licensee,

3175
02:24:57.485 --> 02:25:00.425
but as someone who genuinely believed in the vision

3176
02:25:00.485 --> 02:25:02.265
of New York's Cannabis Equity program.

3177
02:25:02.745 --> 02:25:05.905
A vision that promised opportunity for those harmed by past

3178
02:25:06.585 --> 02:25:08.145
policies, not under the layer of barriers.

3179
02:25:08.785 --> 02:25:11.505
I invested my entire saving, signed the lease,

3180
02:25:11.535 --> 02:25:12.985
paid four months security and rent,

3181
02:25:13.165 --> 02:25:15.745
and committed myself fully to build a co, uh,

3182
02:25:16.305 --> 02:25:18.585
compliant community conscious dispensary.

3183
02:25:19.085 --> 02:25:22.345
Um, I even presented my plan to community board for

3184
02:25:22.675 --> 02:25:24.565
where it was well received,

3185
02:25:24.785 --> 02:25:27.125
earned support from local leaders

3186
02:25:27.545 --> 02:25:30.965
and neighbors, ultimately receiving CB four's approval.

3187
02:25:31.395 --> 02:25:34.685
Then months later, without um, any meaningful explanation,

3188
02:25:35.085 --> 02:25:37.405
I was told that my proposed location did not meet

3189
02:25:37.405 --> 02:25:39.285
approximately rules, but only

3190
02:25:39.285 --> 02:25:41.845
after I had already sacrificed everything.

3191
02:25:42.265 --> 02:25:46.805
The local map, the local map, which your office

3192
02:25:47.405 --> 02:25:51.565
directed us to reply, rely on, indicate the site was viable,

3193
02:25:54.665 --> 02:25:55.965
My attorney confirmed it.

3194
02:25:56.325 --> 02:25:57.325
I trusted your system.

3195
02:25:57.665 --> 02:26:00.765
And now I not the map,

3196
02:26:01.465 --> 02:26:04.685
not the office, not the process.

3197
02:26:05.765 --> 02:26:08.805
I am paying the price for that trust.

3198
02:26:09.945 --> 02:26:11.645
30 seconds, dude. I'm the last one.

3199
02:26:11.705 --> 02:26:13.725
So we are leaving after here. I'm so sorry.

3200
02:26:13.725 --> 02:26:15.845
With, with all due respect. You did that last time.

3201
02:26:15.885 --> 02:26:20.165
I couldn't finish. I hear you. Let me finish.

3202
02:26:20.185 --> 02:26:22.685
We were outta here. Just two sentences. Finish

3203
02:26:22.685 --> 02:26:23.685
Your two sentence. You're using losing

3204
02:26:23.685 --> 02:26:25.085
precious time. Let's

3205
02:26:25.085 --> 02:26:26.085
Be honest.

3206
02:26:26.575 --> 02:26:30.205
Let's be honest. MRTA was not created

3207
02:26:30.305 --> 02:26:31.805
to break people like me.

3208
02:26:32.145 --> 02:26:33.765
It was created to uplift us.

3209
02:26:34.105 --> 02:26:37.285
And yet here I am with no location, no, uh, the, uh,

3210
02:26:37.755 --> 02:26:40.565
deposit return and no clear path forward

3211
02:26:40.665 --> 02:26:42.925
unless I somehow find a new location.

3212
02:26:43.435 --> 02:26:46.325
This isn't just a denial. It is quiet.

3213
02:26:46.945 --> 02:26:50.045
It, it is dismantling of our dream.

3214
02:26:50.605 --> 02:26:54.085
A punishment of believing a process that promised equity,

3215
02:26:54.305 --> 02:26:57.525
but delivered confusion and instability. Thank you.

3216
02:26:58.375 --> 02:26:59.725
Thank You. Congratulations.

3217
02:26:59.935 --> 02:27:01.925
Thank you. All right.

3218
02:27:01.985 --> 02:27:05.605
Um, and a apologies to anybody we didn't get through today.

3219
02:27:06.065 --> 02:27:09.405
Um, I am gonna get better at keeping time

3220
02:27:09.465 --> 02:27:11.005
and working with our team on that.

3221
02:27:11.225 --> 02:27:12.765
Um, uh,

3222
02:27:12.765 --> 02:27:15.645
before we conclude the meeting, I know, um,

3223
02:27:15.665 --> 02:27:16.805
our executive director had a

3224
02:27:17.045 --> 02:27:18.405
another announcement to make. Yeah.

3225
02:27:18.405 --> 02:27:19.765
Just really quickly. And a lot

3226
02:27:19.765 --> 02:27:22.845
of you have brought up relative, uh, particularly on a, a,

3227
02:27:22.925 --> 02:27:25.605
a particular area of the state where the town

3228
02:27:25.625 --> 02:27:27.405
and the city have made it difficult for you

3229
02:27:27.405 --> 02:27:29.085
to open even though you have licensure.

3230
02:27:29.505 --> 02:27:32.765
So today, going up on our website is information a one pager

3231
02:27:32.825 --> 02:27:36.285
on submitting a request for unreasonably impracticable.

3232
02:27:36.665 --> 02:27:38.205
So if you can, if you go to

3233
02:27:39.485 --> 02:27:41.965
cannabis.ny.gov/localities,

3234
02:27:42.185 --> 02:27:44.805
you can find out more information about if this is your

3235
02:27:45.285 --> 02:27:48.165
situation, submitting a request to the office that we will,

3236
02:27:48.185 --> 02:27:49.565
we have a team in place to review.

3237
02:27:49.585 --> 02:27:51.285
So it's not gonna be, you know, many months.

3238
02:27:51.905 --> 02:27:54.565
Um, and to review those requests and put them

3239
02:27:54.565 --> 02:27:57.365
before the board, if that is your particular issue.

3240
02:27:57.465 --> 02:28:01.885
So again, that is cannabis.ny.gov/localities

3241
02:28:01.885 --> 02:28:04.925
where you'll find the unreasonably impractical one pager

3242
02:28:04.925 --> 02:28:08.325
and information on submitting your issue, if that is your,

3243
02:28:08.465 --> 02:28:10.685
um, matter in your locality where you have

3244
02:28:11.245 --> 02:28:14.765
challenges in opening due to municipal action. Alright,

3245
02:28:14.775 --> 02:28:15.775
Thank you.

3246
02:28:15.895 --> 02:28:19.085
Thank you. Um, so in terms of closing notes, um, I'm,

3247
02:28:19.245 --> 02:28:20.525
I hope you don't hate me for this, Nick,

3248
02:28:20.525 --> 02:28:22.725
but I am am going to ask if you do have any issues

3249
02:28:22.795 --> 02:28:24.045
that you do need to discuss.

3250
02:28:24.425 --> 02:28:26.885
We have Nick Perry here who works directly with the board,

3251
02:28:26.985 --> 02:28:29.925
um, and he'd be happy to, um, to, to speak with you.

3252
02:28:30.075 --> 02:28:31.685
He's gonna, he's raising his hand right here.

3253
02:28:32.385 --> 02:28:34.125
Um, and obviously we have the other members

3254
02:28:34.125 --> 02:28:36.725
of the OCM team here as well, who, who can answer questions.

3255
02:28:36.945 --> 02:28:39.965
Um, possibly, uh, not everybody can get an easy answer.

3256
02:28:40.625 --> 02:28:43.445
Um, our next scheduled board meeting, um, is already up.

3257
02:28:43.675 --> 02:28:46.565
It's going to be July 25th in Troy, New York.

3258
02:28:47.185 --> 02:28:50.125
Um, and if you look online, the meetings for the remainder

3259
02:28:50.125 --> 02:28:51.565
of the year have also been posted.

3260
02:28:51.905 --> 02:28:53.925
Um, so, um, if you're, if you are able

3261
02:28:53.925 --> 02:28:55.365
to join us, uh, we'd be happy to see you.

3262
02:28:55.785 --> 02:28:59.285
Um, the website will also have the, the, the link to the,

3263
02:28:59.465 --> 02:29:01.645
to the live stream, um, as always,

3264
02:29:01.985 --> 02:29:04.325
and the minutes will get posted in about 10 days.

3265
02:29:04.705 --> 02:29:06.525
Um, that concludes the business for today.

3266
02:29:06.665 --> 02:29:09.885
Um, can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? Right.

3267
02:29:09.905 --> 02:29:12.525
All in favor? All right, fantastic. Thank you everyone.

3268
02:29:12.735 --> 02:29:13.565
Thank you everyone.