Inside New York’s cannabis rollout: Outgoing chief equity officer reveals successes and setbacks

Damian Fagon, the outgoing Chief Equity Officer of New York's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), reflected on his tenure, the challenges faced by the agency, and the future of New York's cannabis industry, in an interview on Cultivated Live with Jay Rosenthal and Jeremy Berke. The discussion occurred just over a week before Fagon's departure.

Fagon expressed pride in New York’s strides toward equity, emphasizing that the cannabis market has prioritized diversity and the inclusion of those disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. He highlighted that many cannabis businesses now operating in the state are owned by individuals with past marijuana-related convictions, showcasing the program’s focus on reparative justice.

However, the road has not been smooth. Fagon candidly acknowledged the frustrations stemming from the slow rollout of the legal market, pointing to insufficient funding, understaffing, and bureaucratic resistance as significant barriers. He shared that the OCM was often overwhelmed, grappling with a mix of political infighting and logistical hurdles, which delayed progress and disillusioned many stakeholders.

One recurring theme was the tension between ambitious goals and the realities of implementing a regulated cannabis market within a government framework. Fagon noted that building a new agency within the entrenched bureaucracy of New York required navigating cultural and institutional resistance, compounded by the emotional stakes tied to cannabis legalization. For many, cannabis represents more than commerce — it is a symbol of social justice and systemic reform.

As New York’s cannabis industry evolves, Fagon stressed the importance of fully funding regulatory agencies from the outset. He advised other states to invest heavily in administrative capacity to ensure smoother rollouts and stronger equity initiatives, warning that underfunding can lead to costly delays and public disillusionment.

Fagon’s reflections offer a roadmap for policymakers, advocates, and industry players aiming to strike a balance between swift implementation, equity, and market sustainability. Despite the challenges, his optimism for New York’s cannabis future remains steadfast, underscoring the potential for meaningful progress when government and industry align.

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Editor’s note: This summary was put together using generative AI and checked by a human editor.