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It’s no secret that New York State’s nascent cannabis industry is under fire from large out-of-state corporations champing at the bit to enter what’s expected to become one of the nation’s largest legal marijuana markets.
However, a NY Cannabis Insider investigation has found these same companies are breaking state regulations to secure market share while also boxing out the Empire State’s small farmers and brands through flush deals, or by offering large amounts of money in a market currently starved for cash.
Additionally, our investigation has found that the Office of Cannabis Management, the agency responsible for regulating the market, is aware of the problem – but has decided not to enforce against these companies out of fear of disrupting the supply chain, according to a leaked audio recording of a top OCM official.
“No one should be above the rules,” said John Vavalo, president of the Association of New York Cannabis Processors. “And the only people who are not playing by the rules are, frankly, winning.”
Vavalo’s opinion isn’t unique.
For months, New York’s small farmers and brands have complained of the state’s nonexistent enforcement of cut-throat business