With a deadline looming, New York's cannabis growers and retailers are requesting more time for implementing Metrc's track-and-trace system.
After pursuing BioTrack for regulatory compliance throughout the supply chain, New York switched to Metrc following the announcement of a software partnership between the two companies.
Last month, Metrc held New York in-person events to help licensees understand the Metrc system, including how to gain access to the system and set up a licensed business, as well as best practices for operational success. But cannabis companies are saying they still need more time before the December 17 implementation date.
The Cannabis Association of New York sent a letter to New York's Office of Cannabis Management requesting a "reasonable grace period" for smaller operators. CANY said it would help prevent inaccurate data entry, protect equity operators, and give Metrc and OCM the flexibility to fix issues in real-time without punishing licensees.
"The busiest commerce day of the entire year in the United States would not necessarily be the most prudent decision to hold the gun to people's head to have this done, as opposed to, let's make a better decision and maybe push back a couple of weeks anyways, offer a little grace and make sure unequivocally everyone's on the same page," CANY President Damien Cornwell told Spectrum News 1 in a statement.
To complicate matters further, the OCM's acting Executive Director Felicia Reed just stepped down after a request from New York Governor Kathy Hochul. According to the Capitol Pressroom, her ouster stemmed from the agency's handling of an investigation into Omnium, a cannabis processing company whose alleged "rent-a-license" scheme resulted in illicit cannabis being sold in licensed dispensaries.
“Too often, the Office of Cannabis Management has stood in the way of the market realizing its potential, including most recently in the case of a pending compliance action that it has had to withdraw,” said Hochul in a statement. “As a result, I directed my office to take action, including requesting the resignation of the Acting Executive Director. That resignation has been accepted and is effective immediately.”
OCM Chief Administrative Officer Susan Filburn will take over as executive director.
