Governor Kathy Hochul has removed Felicia Reid from her post as acting executive director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
The move is seen as a sudden shakeup prompted by the agency’s handling of enforcement efforts against unlicensed marijuana operators. Reid, who has led the office since June 2024, was asked to resign following the agency’s approach to its compliance action involving Omnium, a case that included a product recall the state now intends to withdraw.
Hochul confirmed the decision in a statement to The Capitol Pressroom outlining her concern that the agency has stalled the state’s legal market rather than supported it.
“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,” said Hochul. She added that “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. 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.”
Susan Filburn, the agency’s chief administrative officer, will take over leadership responsibilities for now. In addition to Reid’s departure, Deputy Counsel James Rogers has also been removed, according to individuals familiar with the staffing changes. And it can make sense
Reid stepped into the role after a contentious stretch under former Executive Director Chris Alexander, who helped lead the push to legalize adult-use marijuana in the state. Before joining OCM, Reid worked at the Office of Children and Family Services and had expressed interest in securing the permanent director role, though Hochul did not put her name forward for Senate consideration for the 2025 session.
Hochul said the administration will move quickly to stabilize the agency and rebuild confidence in the state’s regulatory system. “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,” she said.
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