A new measure introduced in the New York State Assembly seeks to enhance oversight of the state’s cannabis regulatory body.
Assembly Bill 2580, filed by Assemblymember Keith Brown (R), was referred to the Governmental Operations Committee today, the day it was introduced.
The legislation proposes annual audits of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to ensure the agency’s internal controls are functioning effectively. Under the bill, the state comptroller, attorney general, and independent certified public accountants would be tasked with conducting these reviews, using established government auditing standards.
The audits would assess whether the OCM’s internal controls meet objectives outlined in the state’s executive law, identifying weaknesses and recommending corrective actions. If significant deficiencies are found, the auditors would be required to highlight them in their reports. All findings, including management letters, would be made available to the public.
The bill also requires the comptroller and attorney general to solicit proposals from independent auditors through a competitive process, further strengthening the objectivity of the reviews.
If passed, the measure would mark a significant step toward bolstering oversight of New York’s cannabis industry, which has faced scrutiny over licensing delays and regulatory challenges since legalization in 2021. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law.
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