The embattled head of New York’s Workplace of Hashish Administration (OCM), Chris Alexander, has formally resigned from his put up early, leaving the group with out a clear chief.
Earlier this month, Enterprise of Hashish reported that Alexander, who has helmed the OCM since 2021 and overseen the state’s first troubled steps into adult-use hashish legalization, was being urged to step down.
His departure was initially introduced in early Might following the publication of an ‘high down’ inside evaluate into the regulators dealing with of the programme’s rollout.
The report highlighted key points inside the organisation, stating its tradition had led to ‘confusion, issue and delay’ in rolling out its landmark hashish framework, which has been plagued with lawsuits, the proliferation of illicit companies, and the frustration of these attempting to function legally.
It additionally highlighted the shortcoming of the understaffed licensing staff to maintain up with the greater than 5600 functions which were submitted, some 90% of which reportedly require corrections, laying naked the complexity and confusion surrounding the method.
Alexander had initially been slated to depart on the finish of September, permitting time for a alternative to be discovered and a handover interval to happen.
Nonetheless, the Occasions Union now studies that the Government Director has knowledgeable New York Governor Kathy Hochul of his intention to depart in simply two weeks (June 07).
In his resignation letter, shared throughout social media after the information broke on Friday, he mentioned: “I’ve been reluctant to write down this e-mail because of the deep connection and dedication I’ve to this work and to this Workforce.
“And whereas I deliberate to serve out the rest of my time period, I not trust in my capacity to do my job and lead this staff successfully below present circumstances.”
In response Hochul acknowledged: “I’m grateful for Chris Alexander’s work, first in creating and securing the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act after which in launching the Workplace of Hashish Administration.
“Below Mr. Alexander’s management, New York took its first steps towards creating a strong authorized market that elevates these disproportionately impacted by hashish prohibition, and as OCM transitions into its subsequent section, we look ahead to persevering with the work of constructing the strongest, most equitable business within the nation. That has and all the time might be our mission, as a result of it’s what New Yorkers count on and deserve.”
A successor has not but been named, leaving it unclear who will lead the regulator because it continues to face strain from the governor’s workplace and battle mounting lawsuits into its conduct.
