Politicians And Major Brands Celebrate Cannabis Culture On 4/20

April 20, or 4/20, is the unofficial cannabis holiday. And as legalization gains support and marijuana becomes more mainstream, a growing number of elected officials and companies are embracing cannabis culture.

Here’s a look at the politicians and brands that are marking 4/20 this year:

Politicians And Political Parties

No one should go to jail for smoking weed.

— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) April 20, 2026

Pennsylvanians who want to buy recreational marijuana are already driving across the border to one of our neighboring states who’ve legalized it.

That’s hundreds of millions in revenue going out of state instead of being spent here in Pennsylvania.

It’s time for us to finally… pic.twitter.com/ftYLZSpWvD

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) April 20, 2026

This year marks 10 years since Californians voted to legalize cannabis.

In the decade since, we've expanded opportunity and started to correct past injustices, and we continue building a safer, more accountable system. https://t.co/k3z4DgXsEv

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20, fellow kids pic.twitter.com/OfHQ6L0dYy

— Governor Hochul Press Office (@NYGovPress) April 20, 2026

Medical cannabis is bringing relief to Kentuckians; it's also bringing in new business and good jobs. Today we cut the ribbon on Blügrass in Nicholasville, a Kentucky-founded company that has returned to its home state thanks to the legalization of medical cannabis. pic.twitter.com/7yHXWH2gQo

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) April 20, 2026

We know what day it is. If you’re celebrating, do it responsibly—don’t drive impaired. Plan a safe ride and look out for each other, Colorado. pic.twitter.com/WNN7PRHatJ

— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) April 20, 2026

The longer Pennsylvania holds out to legalize recreational marijuana, the longer we lose out on necessary tax revenue–or an expected $200 million annually.   It’s time for our state legislators to pass a bill and get it to the Governor’s desk.https://t.co/EgvuQqPXRR

— Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis (@LGAustinDavis) April 20, 2026

TODAY ONLY: Donate $4.20 and we'll send you a pack of our limited-edition rolling papers. Happy 4/20! 💨 https://t.co/e5wOebOBxcpic.twitter.com/cLs4W2HKCD

— Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) April 20, 2026

This 4/20, remember, a blue trifecta in Wisconsin is a huge step towards legalization. pic.twitter.com/fM16zwPZie

— Wisconsin Democrats (@WisDems) April 20, 2026

It's time to legalize it in Wyoming! Share if you agree. P.S. Wyoming Democratic Party supports the legalization of cannabis – WYGOP "stands against the legalization and decriminalization of medical and recreational marijuana (cannabis)." pic.twitter.com/xuBQWghaR9

— Wyoming Democrats (@WyoDems) April 20, 2026

As people celebrate 4/20, let’s be honest about the contradiction:

In many states, marijuana is legal. In too many lives, the consequences are still permanent.

People are still carrying records. Still locked out of jobs, housing, and opportunity – for doing what is now sold…

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20, Colorado! We legalized marijuana as governor. It's time we legalize it nationally.

Hope Snoop got his milk and cookies. 🥛🍪 https://t.co/DePY9KnhaC

— John Hickenlooper (@Hickenlooper) April 21, 2026

It’s 4/20, Colorado! 🍃

As Governor, our state created the gold standard for marijuana legalization. 

Now, we’re taking it national, with our legislation to set us up for success when marijuana becomes legal nationwide.

— Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) April 21, 2026

Minnesota and countless other states have proven how we can safely decriminalize and regulate the cannabis industry. Long overdue for the federal government to take a page out of that playbook.

— Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) April 20, 2026

✅ Best 4/20 meme

✅ Best Rubio meme https://t.co/kCG24X7Qkhpic.twitter.com/y9xICirrrJ

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20! As Co-Chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, I am proud to introduce my Higher Education Marijuana Research Act to eliminate barriers to academic research on cannabis.

It makes no sense for the federal government to impede this research when millions of… https://t.co/RWb7R336ml

— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) April 20, 2026

No one should be in prison for marijuana possession.

It's time to pass the MORE Act to decriminalize cannabis nationwide and expunge records for cannabis-related offenses.

— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) April 20, 2026

I'm celebrating 420 by calling on Congress to pass my bill, the MORE Act, to end the criminalization of cannabis and correct the historical injustices of failed drug policies.

For too long, cannabis policy has been a patchwork of inconsistent state laws that have… pic.twitter.com/TCvTJEG8Xj

— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) April 20, 2026

The YEARS of progress to move cannabis out of Schedule I has stalled under Trump, with the DEA acting like the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands are still in federal prison for non-violent marijuana offenses.

Proud to stand with advocates on 4/20 today pushing pardons, clemency, and… pic.twitter.com/3KOvVRNMbZ

— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) April 20, 2026

This 4/20, let’s recommit to fighting for equitable cannabis reform. Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to entry and to success in the cannabis industry. The CLIMB Act will address real-world, operational issues facing the cannabis industry and help open the… pic.twitter.com/zMBme6DxGk

— Congressman Troy A. Carter (@RepTroyCarter) April 20, 2026

From skincare to beverages, there’s a hemp-product for everyone.

This 4/20, remember to support your local hemp growers, brewers and small business owners!

Meanwhile, I’ll keep fighting to reverse the federal hemp ban.🍃

— Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) April 20, 2026

On 4/20, a lot of Mass residents will be able to "celebrate" legally, but so many veterans who actually depend on cannabis won't.

I served with men and women who came home with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress. Many say cannabis is the only thing that helps treat their…

— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 20, 2026

Happy first legal 4/20, Delaware!

— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) April 20, 2026

In Congress, I am proud to cosponsor the MORE Act.

It’s past time to end the federal prohibition of marijuana, expunge nonviolent cannabis convictions, and uplift communities harmed by the failed war on drugs.

This is about justice, equity, and common sense.

— Congresswoman Julie Johnson (@RepJulieJohnson) April 20, 2026

In Congress, I’m a proud cosponsor of the MORE Act.

I’ve heard from veterans across Texas about the need for more care options, and this bill delivers a commonsense fix, allowing VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis and removing outdated barriers.

It’s time to pass it.…

— Julie Johnson for Congress (@juliejohnsonTX) April 20, 2026

Seems like a good day to say…we’ve gotta keep up the fight to legalize cannabis for adult use in PA. Let’s get it done!

— Chris Deluzio (@ChrisForPA) April 20, 2026

Decriminalize marijuana.

— Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (@RepKamlagerDove) April 20, 2026

On this 4/20, even with legalization in sight, there are still tens of thousands of people in prison for nonviolent cannabis “crimes.”

Legalization isn’t enough. Everyone caught up in prohibition deserves freedom and a clean record. pic.twitter.com/Ea4DYjen37

— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) April 20, 2026

It’s about time Wisconsin legalizes marijuana. Illinois got $36 million dollars in tax revenue from Wisconsinites in one year – we are giving our neighbors millions every year by not legalizing.

Happy 4/20, please enjoy responsibly!

— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) April 20, 2026

Iowa’s facing a nearly $1.4 billion budget hole, and insiders won’t stop digging. Part of the solution? Legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use cannabis. We treat it like alcohol.

Right now, Iowans are taking money across state lines—let’s keep that money here and put it to work…

— Rob Sand (@RobSandIA) April 20, 2026

The cannabis industry is an essential part of New Mexico’s economy. As your next governor, I will bring stability to the cannabis industry and improve quality testing so that this industry can thrive

Happy 4/20 New Mexico!

— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) April 21, 2026

Patients with chronic pain. Veterans dealing with PTSD. Families watching a loved one fight cancer. These are the people who voted. These are the people still waiting.

— Dan Osborn (@osbornforne) April 20, 2026

I will go to Washington and fight to make sure the federal government respects what Nebraska voters decided. Patients and caregivers are suffering. I will stop the obstruction.

— Dan Osborn (@osbornforne) April 20, 2026

We need a smarter approach to marijuana policy.

Legalize medical use. Pardon non-violent charges. Let the people decide recreational use through a statewide referendum.

Compassion. Fairness. Accountability.https://t.co/gWBw9vMJ3wpic.twitter.com/7A9n4reVSS

— Jermaine Johnson 🇺🇸 (@Dr_JLJohnson) April 20, 2026

Legalize Weed 🤙

— Zach Wahls (@ZachWahls) April 20, 2026

It's 4/20 and you know what that means…

It's time for a new episode of the World's Greatest Audit Podcast. This one features a discussion on the audit of Missouri's Marijuana Program, which found Missouri's multi-billion dollar marijuana industry was launched using a flawed… pic.twitter.com/wWRbMxC5h6

— Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick (@Auditor_Fitz) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20 to those who observe!

Minneapolis’ cannabis legislation rollout is unfolding like a flower in bloom. We’re working to ensure small businesses and events have what they need to succeed—because local entrepreneurs should be at the forefront of this new industry.

— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) April 20, 2026

Federal And State Government Agencies

"We'ed" like to be blunt: driving high is illegal in all 50 states and DC — on 420 Day and EVERY day. pic.twitter.com/4GL4BctPQ8

— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) April 20, 2026

It’s 4/20! Remember to “Make a Plan” if you choose to consume cannabis outside the home or participate in a cannabis-centric social gathering today. Drop the keys, stay put, and plan to use public transportation or catch a sober ride. Visit https://t.co/9rOFhkzg9b for more. pic.twitter.com/kHd1JPDjnu

— Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (@MA_Cannabis) April 20, 2026

Happy 4/20.

If you’re planning to get high, plan not to drive.

High driving could lead to high penalties like heavy fines and even jail time. So plan ahead or call a ride. Just don’t drive high. Learn more at https://t.co/m20nJuh5q4. pic.twitter.com/bYkDFN6hWJ

— Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (@Virginia_CCA) April 20, 2026

This 420 breathe easy. If you use cannabis, explore non-smoking/non-vaping options. Visit https://t.co/nY5S33f3um to find a legal dispensary. pic.twitter.com/HczqhfwQkC

— New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (@NewJerseyCRC) April 20, 2026

🌿🍟 4/20 and the munchies often go hand in hand.   Cannabis can heighten taste, smell, and appetite—making food feel more intense than usual. Understanding these effects is part of consuming responsibly.   Explore the Cannabis Education Library to stay informed:… pic.twitter.com/cE0ckkQTZ3

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2026

🔒 This 4/20, keep it cute… and keep it locked.

We’re giving away lockbags to help you store your #NYCannabis safely—out of sight and out of reach.

Want to enter? Tell us how you practice safe storage for your cannabis products: https://t.co/QxDtttT9Pspic.twitter.com/ktccumS1zg

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2026

Companies And Brands

'Marijuana' is the only English word in which the 'j' is silent.

— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) April 20, 2026

How did “420” become associated with marijuana? pic.twitter.com/oT6hMp1Noi

— Encyclopaedia Britannica (@Britannica) April 20, 2026

happy 4/20 we packed you a bowl pic.twitter.com/NvT4T7hceP

— KFC (@kfc) April 20, 2026

View this post on Instagram

BYOB $4.20 all day in app for MyRewards members. blaze it.

— Carl’s Jr. (@CarlsJr) April 20, 2026

celebrate the toastiest holiday with this dreamy deal ☁️ get your BOGO Dream Rotation Meal today only 4.20.26 pic.twitter.com/KML1QHpzr7

— Jimmy John’s (@jimmyjohns) April 20, 2026

what u using this for on 4/20? pic.twitter.com/ffOCx2b4sh

— Wingstop (@wingstop) April 19, 2026

You know why you're here – $25.99 online only.https://t.co/7UEinCTpYMpic.twitter.com/bb0sZQsywp

— Blaze Pizza (@BlazePizza) April 20, 2026

New York Officials Tout $2.5 Billion In Marijuana Sales, Expansion Of Licensed Businesses And More Since Adult-Use Legalization

New York officials have released a set of reports providing an end-of-year status update on the evolution of the state’s medical and adult-use marijuana markets—touting record sales, revenue hauls for state coffers, licensing approvals, equity initiatives and more.

All told, retail cannabis sales in New York have exceeded $2.5 billion since the passage of recreational legalization, including $1.6 billion that was generated last year alone as of November. Also, licensed storefronts nearly doubled from 261 in 2024 to 556 in 2025.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) said the state “continues to exceed” equity goals, specifically pointing to the fact that 55 percent of adult-use licenses are held by Social and Economic Equity (SEE) businesses. That includes 50 percent that are minority-owned and 47 percent that are women-owned.

The reports also touch on enforcement activity to mitigate the illicit market. And last year, OCM said it “completed 2,017 enforcement actions, resulting in over $20 million worth of illicit cannabis product seized.”

“New York’s cannabis framework was designed to pair strong regulation with meaningful opportunity, and this year’s Annual Report shows continued progress toward that goal,” Jessica Garcia, chair of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), said in a press release. “As the legal market expands, we remain focused on building an inclusive industry and ensuring the benefits of legalization are shared broadly.”

✨ Ending 2025 on a high note for #NYcannabis. This year brought continued market growth, expanded access, and deeper community investment across New York State. Take a look back at some of the highlights.

Read the 2025 Annual Report: https://t.co/p5xOHANgQTpic.twitter.com/p58BgnXcDU

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) December 31, 2025

“The launch of initiatives like the community reinvestment grants and the CAURD Grant Fund marks a critical step in returning resources to communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition, while maintaining the safeguards that protect consumers and support compliant businesses,” she said.

The OCM annual report also notes that Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed legislation into law that expands the state’s medical cannabis program by improving patient access and “updating the program framework to better meet patient needs statewide.”

The legislation the governor signed also grants reciprocity to out-of-state residents, streamlines the patient certification process and allows adults 18 and older to grow their own cannabis plants for therapeutic use.

“Looking ahead, we remain committed to fulfilling the vision of MRTA through licensing, regulatory reform and supporting social equity applicants,” Garcia said in the report. “We have new license types to issue that will provide additional economic opportunities to New Yorkers.”

“We must improve patient access to the medical program and remain committed to working towards that in 2026. We will work with the OCM to continue to strengthen enforcement efforts against the illicit market,” she said. “Lastly, we are invested in building trust with our stakeholders and the public at-large and aim to strengthen our communications and public engagement efforts, particularly as they inform our decision-making process.”

Officials also noted that the state has taken in nearly $341 million in marijuana tax revenue from medical and adult-use sales from April 1, 2023 to November 30, 2025.

“Sales remain concentrated among a limited number of high-performing locations,” it says. “As of November 30, 2025, the top 10 stores account for 29 percent of statewide sales, the top 25 for 43 percent and the top 50 for nearly 61 percent. The top performing 50 percent of all operating stores generate about 80 percent of total sales, reflecting early advantages in location, brand presence, and operational scale.”

Notably, the report reinforces advocates’ argument that regulating, rather than criminalizing, marijuana sales can deter youth use—despite prohibitionist arguments to the contrary. In fact, the percentage of New York high school students reporting past-month cannabis use has fallen from 20 percent in 2013 (pre-legalization) to 12.5 percent in 2023.

“This Annual Report reflects the market New Yorkers have built together over the past year. We expanded access to regulated, tested cannabis products, strengthened consumer protections, and continued to advance an equity-centered market framework,” Susan Filburn, acting executive director of OCM, said in a press release.

“Surpassing $2.5 billion in adult-use sales is a major milestone, and our focus moving forward is ensuring this growth remains responsible, transparent, and grounded in public health and safety, while continuing to deliver opportunity and reinvestment to the communities most impacted by prohibition,” she said.

“OCM remains committed to responsible growth, transparent regulations, and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers. In 2026, OCM will focus on accelerating licensing and market access for equity entrepreneurs, strengthening statewide compliance and enforcement efforts, and expanding consumer education to promote safer cannabis consumption and build trust in the regulated market, further strengthening a safer and sustainable regulated market.”

—Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.—

Meanwhile, given confusion within the marketplace about timelines for provisional licenses, CCB said it will be extending the renewal deadline for conditional adult-use until December 31, 2026.

“This extension provides licensees additional time to secure viable locations and move toward full licensure,” OCM said. “It will also apply to any provisional licenses issued between September 9, 2025, and December 30, 2025, ensuring clarity and consistency for all provisional license holders.”

Part of the uncertainty surrounding provisional licensees concerns a recently identified zoning issue impacting more than 100 cannabis businesses that are apparently located too close to public schools or places of worship than is allowed under current statute. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has said that she will be pushing the legislature to amend the state’s marijuana law to address the issue.

Also, both chambers of the New York legislature last year passed legislation that would extend the deadline for some marijuana businesses to file electronic tax returns, sending the proposal next to the governor’s desk.

If signed into law, the measure would give cannabis manufacturers and distributors 30 extra days to submit their tax returns following the end of each quarterly tax period. Currently the companies have a 20-day window to file the documents, which the legislation would extended to 50 days.

In July, meanwhile, New York officials announced the first round of grants under a $5 million program to help retail marijuana businesses owned by justice-involved people cover startup costs.

New York Stores Have Sold $1 Billion In Legal Marijuana This Year So Far, With Market Topping $2 Billion Since Launch

New York officials are touting a marijuana milestone, with the state exceeding $2 billion in cannabis sales since the market launched. And $1 billion of those purchases have been made in 2025 alone.

At a meeting on Tuesday, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that the state has reached $2.09 billion in total adult-use marijuana sales since the first retailers opened in late 2022. After initial setbacks in the market rollout, the industry has greatly expanded, with $1.06 billion in cannabis purchases this year.

As part of the marijuana sector’s maturation, the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) separately announced that it is approving 46 additional adult-use cannabis business licenses, raising the total to 1,904. And regulators said 57 percent of those businesses are owned by social equity licensees.

“Our work extends far beyond issuing licenses and setting regulations, it’s about shaping a cannabis industry that truly reflects the values of New York,” Jessica García, chair of CCB, said. “Every decision we make is rooted in equity, transparency, and a long-term vision for a thriving market.”

💰 MARKET UPDATE: New York’s legal cannabis market has surpassed $2 billion in total retail sales, with $1.06 billion generated just this year.

Sales per store have climbed for the second month in a row, signaling strong demand and growing stability in #NYcannabis.

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) September 9, 2025

“Together with OCM, we are building a system that communities can trust, one that creates opportunity, protects public health, and ensures this industry serves every corner of our state for generations to come,” she said.

Simone Washington, chief equity officer at OCM, said that as the state aims “to maintain our commitment to ensuring equity in the licensing process, OCM is equally attuned to ensuring that [social equity] licensees have the necessary resources and supportive services to enable longevity in the market.”

“Their long-term sustainability is a marker of our collective success,” she said. “The current slate of SEE programs is designed to meet the needs of SEE licensees at every stage of the business development cycle.”

Meanwhile, given confusion within the marketplace about timelines for provisional licenses, CCB said it will be extending the renewal deadline for conditional adult-use until December 31, 2026.

“This extension provides licensees additional time to secure viable locations and move toward full licensure,” OCM said. “It will also apply to any provisional licenses issued between September 9, 2025, and December 30, 2025, ensuring clarity and consistency for all provisional license holders.”

Part of the uncertainty surrounding provisional licensees concerns a recently identified zoning issue impacting more than 100 cannabis businesses that are apparently located too close to public schools or places of worship than is allowed under current statute. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has said that she will be pushing the legislature to amend the state’s marijuana law to address the issue.

CCB on Tuesday also approved the creation of a Cannabis Education Advisory Panel (CEAP), which will focus on public outreach to promote youth education around marijuana.

“The launch of the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel is an exciting step forward in OCM’s work to ensure that the needs of communities and the perspectives of folks who are deeply engaged in public health show up in the work of the agency,” Felicia A.B. Reid, acting executive director of OCM, said. “Information is power and education is the heartbeat of progress. Through CEAP, OCM looks to empower communities to make informed choices and foster a deeper sense of trust in New York’s evolving cannabis industry.”

—Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.—

Meanwhile, both chambers of the New York legislature recently passed legislation that would extend the deadline for some marijuana businesses to file electronic tax returns, sending the proposal next to the governor’s desk.

If signed into law, the measure would give cannabis manufacturers and distributors 30 extra days to submit their tax returns following the end of each quarterly tax period. Currently the companies have a 20-day window to file the documents, which the legislation would extended to 50 days.

Sponsors of the bill have noted that Hochul vetoed an earlier cannabis business tax reform proposal late last year, claiming it would “pose significant operational challenges for the State and confusion for taxpayers,” but that they’ve worked to address those concerns in the current version.

The earlier, vetoed measure would have allowed marijuana growers and processors to pay excise taxes on an annual basis rather than quarterly—a change that would have extended the same treatment to cannabis as the state already offers the alcohol industry.

In July, meanwhile, New York officials announced the first round of grants under a $5 million program to help retail marijuana businesses owned by justice-involved people cover startup costs.

About three months after opening up applications for the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) Grant Program, OCM and Empire State Development (ESD) announced on Wednesday that they have awarded 52 licensed dispensaries up to $30,000 each in funds meant for startup and operational costs such as rent, renovations, inventory tracking and security systems.

To qualify for the program, applicants need to have been “justice involved”—in other words, impacted by a marijuana-related conviction—and have some experience running a profitable business.

Meanwhile, OCM recently launched a new online map that’s meant to help adults locate licensed marijuana retailers—one of their latest efforts to encourage consumers to buy their cannabis from the regulated market.

After a rocky rollout of the state’s legalization law opened the door to a proliferation of illicit marijuana shops, the governor and regulators have prioritized educating the public about the need to purchase their products from licensed dispensaries as a health and safety imperative.

The broader New York campaign has also involved digital ads and educational resources, including a guide on safe consumption practices, as well as graphics and videos featuring licensed cannabis business owners and messaging about the benefits of participating in the regulated market.

OCM also advises that “continued enforcement against the illicit market is critical to building a health regulated market,” pointing to what it describes as successful enforcement efforts in 2024. Last spring, for example, officials in New York City launched Operation Padlock, an enforcement initiative meant to shutter illegal storefronts. Within months, licensed shops that were open before the operation began saw sales climb 105 percent, according to an OCM survey.

Regulators are also moving forward with new proposed regulations around the state’s so-called “cannabis showcase” program, which allows licensed businesses to sell to consumers at pop-up, farmers market-like events.

As originally authorized, the showcase events were largely in response to the slow rollout of New York’s adult-use marijuana program, which faced multiple delays in implementation amid litigation and other matters.

Separately Hochul signed state budget legislation that did not include a controversial earlier provision that would have allowed police to use the smell of marijuana as probable cause that a driver is impaired and then force them to take a drug test.

Amendments made in the legislature removed the provision, which a coalition of 60 reform groups had argued in a letter to Hochul and top lawmakers would “repeat some of the worst harms of the War on Drugs” and allow law enforcement to “restart unconstitutional racial profiling of drivers.”

In April, New York cannabis regulators and labor officials announced the launch of a workforce training program aimed at “providing comprehensive safety education to workers” in the state’s legal marijuana industry.

Separately, OCM’s press secretary indicated the office is working on plans to expand permitting and licensing rules that could allow adults to buy and consume marijuana at movie theaters. Authorizing sales of cannabis products at theaters would set New York apart as it continues to build upon the state’s legalization law.

Earlier this year, a collective of businesses licensed under the CAURD program called on Hochul to forgive tens of millions of dollars in high-cost loans issued under a governor-created social equity loan fund.

A state lawmaker said in December that there’s a need to extend financial aid to CAURD license holders, many of whom are struggling under the high-cost loans.

Critics—including the NAACP New York State Conference, Black Cannabis Industry Association, Minority Cannabis Business Association, Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis Association, Drug Policy Alliance, NYC NORML and VOCAL-NY—wrote to the governor earlier that month to express dismay at what they described as marijuana regulators’ “efforts in service of big corporations at the expense of small business and equity outcomes.”