Head of state cannabis regulator departs

The acting head of the embattled state cannabis regulator is out this week at the request of Gov. Kathy Hochul amid struggles to enforce a crackdown on unlicensed marijuana business activity.

New York State Office of Cannabis Management acting Executive Director Felicia Reid, who has been running the agency since June of 2024, was forced to step down as the result of the agency’s handling of its enforcement against Omnium, including a product recall, which they are dropping, according to a statement from the governor.

“New York’s Cannabis market holds enormous potential. It creates jobs, generates revenue and builds prosperity in communities that were left out of the economic mainstream for decades. Realizing that potential requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of the regulatory framework, and a steadfast commitment to the people of this state,” Hochul said in a statement to The Capitol Pressroom.

“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,” she said. “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 is stepping in for Felicia Reid. The personnel changes also include the ouster of OCM Deputy Counsel James Rogers, according to two sources familiar with the shakeup.

Reid took over at OCM after a tumultuous period under the leadership of Chris Alexander, the first executive director of the office and a leader in the movement to legalize adult-use marijuana in New York. She came to the agency from the state Office of Children and Family Services and had expressed interest in being the permanent director, but was not submitted by the governor to the state Senate for consideration in 2025.

“My administration remains committed to fostering the cannabis market for consumers, business owners and impacted communities across New York State. We will work expeditiously to restore accountability, transparency and confidence in OCM,” Hochul added.

This story has been updated with new information from the Hochul administration.