Tuesday marks fives since recreational cannabis was legalized in New York State. Officials say New York’s cannabis market has generated $3.3 billion in total retail sales and expanded to more than 600 licensed dispensaries statewide.
However, critics say the state’s rollout has been far from smooth. The city has closed at least 1,400 illegal cannabis businesses and licensed businesses have faced a host of legal challenges.
Cannabis lawyer Jeffrey Hoffman joined NY1 anchor Shannan Ferry on “News All Day” to discuss the shortcomings of the state’s cannabis industry.
“Going forward the Office of Cannabis Management just needs to make sure that they do a better job of turning the law into regulations,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman did praise one particular aspect of the state’s legal cannabis industry: its focus on restorative justice.
“That is the one place where New York has done it leaps and bounds better than any better state,” he said.
Tap the video player above to watch the interview.