New York Office of Cannabis Management Announces Appointment of New Leaders

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A June 27, 2025, news release posted by the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced the confirmation of Jessica C. García, nominated by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, as the new Chair of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) (1). García has been a CCB member since 2021 and recently presided over her first meeting.

“I’m honored to take on this role at such a critical moment in the development of New York’s cannabis industry,” stated García, in the news release. “This is a market built on values—equity, safety, transparency—and I look forward to continuing that mission with collaborative efforts, while expanding access, opportunity, and oversight for all New Yorkers.”

Also announced was the unanimous confirmation of L. Simone Washington as the new Chief Equity Officer for the OCM.

“I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to Acting Executive Director Reid, OCM leadership and members of the Cannabis Control Board for your vote of confidence in my abilities to step into the role of Chief Equity Officer,” stated Washington. “While this is a mission-critical and complex job, with a lot of moving parts, I am buoyed by the possibilities rather than burdened by the fears that this opportunity brings with it. As the OCM aims to both live up to the ideals of and operationalize social and economic equity, it is the role of the Chief Equity Officer to weave a vision that is equally bold and pragmatic; that stitches together the highest aspirations of the staff and the buy-in and partnership of the communities that we serve.”

Additionally, the CCB approved 53 new adult-use cannabis licenses, resulting in a total of 1,789 issued licenses to date. Nearly half of these new licenses are held by Social and Economic Equity (SEE) licensees, and include the following adult-license types: Processor, Microbusiness, Retail Dispensary, Distributor, and Cultivator. There are 413 legal dispensaries currently open in the state.

“Expanding market access through licensing is critical to cannabusiness opportunity, as is taking clear-eyed compliance and trade practice action to protect the integrity of New York’s cannabis market,” stated Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the OCM. “Each new license represents an opportunity—for economic empowerment, for equity, and for communities across the state to benefit from a safe, legal cannabis industry. I’m also thrilled to welcome Chair, García, and Ms. Washington as Chief Equity Officer. The leadership of these powerhouse women, with deep experience and critical perspective, will strengthen OCM’s commitment to equity, integrity, and building forward.”

The press release also noted other recent developments. The CCB has approved measures to expand access to indoor-grown cannabis market in the state, and approved a new regulatory framework, effective upon publication in the State Register. The CCB also announced that investigations by the Trade Practices Bureau (TPB) related to license stacking, cross-tier activity, and other violations by operators, may soon be settled.

Total retail cannabis sales in the state have exceeded $1.70 billion with recreational sales continuing to increase.

Reference

1. Office of Cannabis Management. Cannabis Control Board Welcomes New Chair and Chief Equity Officer https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/06/updated-june-2025-ccb-release.pdf/ (accessed June 30, 2025).