CITY OF ALBANY, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, 24 EAGLE STREET, ALBANY, NEW YORK 12207
* * NEWS RELEASE * *
Date: May 18, 2022
Contact: Jasmine Higgins
City of Albany Calls for Applicants for Local Cannabis Legalization Advisory Committee
ALBANY, NY – The City of Albany is seeking applicants for its Local Cannabis Advisory Committee. Applicants will help inform and shape cannabis regulations at the municipal level including the time, place, and manner of adult-use retail dispensaries and on-site consumption licenses, social equity, and protection of community health and safety.
Individuals and groups interested in applying to be considered for the Committee should submit a brief statement of no more than 500 words outlining their interest in joining the advisory committee and their qualifications as well as a current resume to:
Office of Mayor Kathy Sheehan
Attn: Jasmine Higgins, Policy Analyst & Special Advisor
Room 102, City Hall, Albany, NY 12207
Tel: 518-434-5100 // email: localmarijuana@albanyny.gov
Applicants will be asked to conduct a brief interview with Mayor Sheehan’s office prior to their appointment to the advisory committee. Applications to join the advisory committee are due no later than 11:59 PM on June 15, 2022.
Individuals interested in learning where smoking and vaping cannabis is currently permitted and where cannabis dispensaries and consumption sites are permitted can click here to view the interactive City of Albany Cannabis Consumption map. Individuals interested in operating a cannabis dispensary, consumption site, or cultivation facility must first acquire the appropriate license through the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (NYSOCM) and the appropriate City permits. The information displayed in the interactive City of Albany Cannabis Consumption map is based on the existing Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance (USDO).
Background:
The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law on March 31, 2021. The MRTA authorizes the lawful use of adult-use recreational cannabis and the lawful use of medical cannabis. The MRTA establishes the cannabis law, the New York State Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Cannabis Management (NYS OCM) and their respective powers and duties.
Effective as of March 31, 2021, individuals 21 or older can possess, display, purchase, obtain or transport up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. Individuals can also transfer, without compensation, to another person 21 or older up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrate.
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management and the New York State Cannabis Control Board are responsible for licensing related to cultivation, production, distribution, sale, and taxation of adult-use cannabis. While the Office of Cannabis Management is responsible for licensing, localities are responsible for determining local zoning matters, the locations of cannabis licensees, and the hours of operation of cannabis facilities.
To read the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) please click here.
To read the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (NYS OCM) Local Government Fact Sheet please click here.
Questions regarding the advisory committee or local cannabis in the City of Albany should be directed to localmarijuana@albanyny.gov.
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