New York OCM Acting Executive Director Forced to Step Down from Position

By request of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Office of Cannabis Managements’ (OCM) acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid, forcibly resigned from her position (1). The resignation follows after enforcement challenges of the Omnium case which has since been withdrawn. One example of OCM’s handling of the case is the dropping of the product recall.

In February 2025, the OCM began its investigation after receiving a referral to the OCM Trade Practices Bureau (TPB) from the Compliance team (2). The investigation included reviewing audit and inspection records, reviewing Omnium and the unlicensed businesses’ contracts and audits, and collecting witness testimony. The OCM press release included photos of products and isolate allegedly involved in the operation.

The OCM had listed the penalties it is seeking for the charges against Omnium Health (2):

• Revocation of both processor and distributor licenses
• Debarment from applying for future licensure
• Civil penalties related to the projected revenue from the sale or possession of the unauthorized cannabis products
• Retail recall from the market of all products made by unlicensed processors
• Destruction of unlawfully produced cannabis products

On October 20, 2025, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued a Notice of Pleading (NOP) to Omnium Canna, due to “actions amounting to a failure to meet its compliance obligations as a licensee,” (3).

According to the press release (3), the alleged conduct includes:

• A scheme to ‘rent out’ its license to unlicensed businesses (known as “reverse licensing”), permitting these businesses to access and use Omnium resources and facilities to produce cannabis products;
• The sale of cannabis product to unlicensed processors;
• The introduction of untracked product into the legal cannabis market; and
• The concealment of material agreements from OCM.

“New York’s Cannabis market holds enormous potential. It creates jobs, generates revenue and builds prosperity in communities that were left out of the economic mainstream for decades. Realizing that potential requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of the regulatory framework, and a steadfast commitment to the people of this state,” Hochul said in a statement to The Capitol Pressroom (1).

“Too often, the Office of Cannabis Management has stood in the way of the market realizing its potential, including most recently in the case of a pending compliance action that it has had to withdraw,” she said. “As a result, I directed my office to take action, including requesting the resignation of the Acting Executive Director. That resignation has been accepted and is effective immediately.”

Filling the shoes of OCM Executive Director will be OCM Chief Administrative Officer, Susan Filburn.Other personnel changes in the state organization include the resignation of James Rogers, Director, Trade Practices Bureau and Deputy Counsel (1). Before Reid took over as acting Executive Director, Chris Alexander had served as the first Executive Director and helped drive the adult-use cannabis movement in the Big Apple State.

“My administration remains committed to fostering the cannabis market for consumers, business owners and impacted communities across New York State. We will work expeditiously to restore accountability, transparency and confidence in OCM,” Hochul added (1).

Empire State Green Standard Alliance Chair Herb Barbot expressed how ““Disruptive leadership changes at the Office of Cannabis Management only heighten the urgency for a regulatory framework that is clear, accountable, and laser-focused on public safety,” he said in a statement,” (1).

“This is a pivotal moment for the state to reaffirm its commitment to testing integrity, honest labeling, and a legal market that the public can trust,” Barbot said (1). “The State must conduct a true search for the agency’s next leader – someone with industry experience, credibility, and a commitment to fully realizing the promise of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.”

References

1. Lombardo, D. Head of State Cannabis Regulator departs https://capitolpressroom.org/2025/12/08/head-of-state-cannabis-regulator-departs/ (accessed Dec 10, 2025).
2. McEvoy, E. New York OCM issues statewide recall, charges Omnium Health for cannabis license violations https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/new-york-ocm-issues-statewide-recall-charges-omnium-health-for-cannabis-license-violations (accessed Dec 10, 2025).
3. Colli, M. Notice of pleading issued by New York OCM to omnium canna https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/notice-of-pleading-issued-by-new-york-ocm-to-omnium-canna (accessed Dec 10, 2025).