The Empire State Green Standard Alliance honored state Sen. Jeremy Cooney at the New York State Fair for his work on cannabis policy and efforts to strengthen the state's licensed cannabis market.
The consumer advocacy organization designated Wednesday as “Jeremy Cooney Appreciation Day” at its fair booth in Syracuse. Cooney chairs the state Senate Subcommittee on Cannabis and has sponsored legislation affecting cannabis taxes and the industry's supply chain.
The alliance credited Cooney with leading the effort to repeal and replace New York's THC potency tax, which had assessed cannabis products based partly on their tetrahydrocannabinol content. Industry groups argued that structure created operational and pricing challenges for licensed businesses.
Cooney also sponsored the Cannabis Supply Chain Integrity and Anti-Inversion Act in the Senate. The alliance said the legislation is intended to protect New York cannabis businesses and the integrity of the state's licensed supply chain.
According to the organization, the measure passed both chambers of the state Legislature unanimously and is awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature. The release did not provide a timetable for action on the bill.
Joe Rossi, the alliance's chief strategist, said Cooney has worked with consumers and industry participants on changes intended to make the legal marketplace stronger and more sustainable. Rossi said consumers have benefited from Cooney's work on the potency tax and supply-chain legislation.
Cooney said New York needs a cannabis market that protects consumers and gives them a voice in policy decisions. He said the alliance's education and advocacy work supports industry standards and the state's legal supply chain.
The alliance said its 13-day presence at the fair is the first dedicated booth there operated by an organized cannabis consumer advocacy group. The booth provides information about responsible consumption, consumer protection and the importance of buying products through New York's licensed market.
Throughout the fair, the group said it has spoken with visitors and worked to build a statewide membership that can advocate for cannabis consumers in Albany. Rossi said the booth is meant to show that consumers should have a role in decisions affecting the legal market.
The Empire State Green Standard Alliance describes itself as a consumer protection, education and policy organization. Its board includes people with backgrounds in cannabis regulation, licensing, legal work, workforce development and state government relations.
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