BILL NUMBER: S7528
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the cannabis law, in relation to the state cannabis
advisory board
 
PURPOSE:
This bill adds one non-voting, ex-officio member from the division of
service-disabled veterans' business development within the office of
general services to the New York State Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB).
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subdivision 2 of section 14 of the cannabis law to
include one non-voting, ex-officio member from the division of service-
disabled veterans' business development.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law on
March 31, 2021 legalizing adult-use cannabis (also known as marijuana,
or recreational marijuana) in New York State. The legislation created a
new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) governed by a Cannabis Control
Board to comprehensively regulate adult-use, medical, and hemp cannabis.
The New York State Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) works in collaboration
with the cannabis control board and the executive director of OCM to
advise and issue recommendations on the use of medical cannabis, adult-
use cannabis and cannabinoid hemp and hemp extract in the state of New
York.
CAB consists of thirteen voting appointed members, along with a repre-
sentative from the department of environmental conservation, the depart-
ment of agriculture and markets, the office of children and family
services, the department of labor, the department of health, the divi-
sion of housing and community renewal, the office of addiction services
and supports, and the department of education, serving as non-voting
ex-officio members. These members are present at each CAB meeting,
interact with voting members, and can make suggestions so their voice
can be heard.
Service-disabled were defined in the MRTA as Communities Disproportion-
ately Impacted by the War on Drugs (CDI). Many other impacted communi-
ties have roles on CAB. Including a representative from the Division of
Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development will ensure that
service-disabled veterans have the voice they deserve.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATION:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7528: 14 cannabis law, 14(2) cannabis law