New York’s cannabis program has seen its fair share of controversy. Whether combating illicit dispensaries or accusations of regulatory retaliation, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has faced ongoing scrutiny from the industry and the general public. Now, it turns out OCM staff are also calling for change—starting at the top.
In a leaked letter shared by Crain’s New York and Cultivated, a group of anonymous staff members urged New York state officials to remove Acting Executive Director Felicia Reid, Chief Administrative Officer Susan Filburn, and Director of Administration Amanda Wilson from their positions. The employees claim that “an environment of fear and retaliation has taken hold.”
“Morale is at an all-time low,” the letter states. “Staff feel anxious and distressed, confused and undervalued.”
RELATED: Top-selling pot brands pulled from NY dispensaries
The group allege that anyone who questions the administration or seeks transparency is met with “professional consequences.”
“Staff are dismissed, humiliated, and publicly shamed for asking hard questions or offering criticism,” the group claims.
An OCM staffer who requested anonymity verified the authenticity of the letter in conversations with Crain’s New York, saying, “a lot of stuff is hitting home here.”
“What is our mission now?” the staffer asked. “Are we still trying to build the most equitable industry in the world? I don’t know if that’s what we’re doing anymore. And I think people are feeling that.”
“We are exhausted…”
The letter also argued that leadership positions within the OCM are given to underqualified individuals who have close relationships with the current administration. Concerns were raised about a lack of understanding of the nuances of cannabis, specifically as it relates to social equity.
RELATED: This city is giving residents cash thanks to weed
In addition to calling for the removal of the top OCM administrators, the employees are requesting an independent investigation into their allegations, an audit of hiring practices, and the appointment of “permanent, equity-driven executive leadership.”
“We are exhausted. We are discouraged. And we are united in calling for change,” the letter concludes.
A spokesperson for the NY OCM declined GreenState‘s request for comment. If the letter is indeed indicative of sentiments shared by the 230-person OCM team, the organization will likely face some type of reckoning within the coming days.
