OCM issues new marijuana implementation report

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---New York’s legal marijuana rollout has faced tough criticism over the years. A new report released by the Office of Cannabis Management shows progress is being made.

Read the report here.

"While I think we were all in agreement that there was a bumpy start, there are certainly some successful outcomes that we can see in this report that gives us confidence that the legal adult use recreational cannabis market place will be a success in New York State," said Senator Jeremy Cooney, Chairman of the Cannabis Subcommittee.

Taylor Randi Lee, an OCM press, public affairs, and community outreach coordinator, spoke about some of the highlights of the 102 page report.

"We’ve given out 1,342 licenses have been issued. We have over 200 dispensaries opened, we have generated $653 million dollars in sales revenue to date," said Lee.

According to OCM, 67% of New Yorkers who consumed cannabis in the past year reported purchasing it from a legal retail dispensary.

Lee explained how OCM is cracking down on illegal stores.

"Statewide, we’ve closed over $1,000 stores, padlocked. Our enforcement team the past three months has been out working with local municipalities and law enforcement agencies to really curb the illicit market."

The report also listed recommendations such as supporting municipal law enforcement and establishing a cannabis specific recycling program to reduce packaging waste.

Senator Jeremey Cooney shared what he would like to see OCM accomplish in the years to come.

"To me, success means more licenses opened and out the door, more retail dispensaries available to compete with the illicit market," said Cooney. "And making sure cannabis consumers feel safe when they purchase one of these legal products across New York State."