By Blake Jackson
New York's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) abruptly terminated the successful Cannabis Growers Showcase (CGS) program, drawing criticism and disappointment from small cannabis cultivators. The program, originally designed to help these cultivators sell excess inventory, generated over $4 million in sales this year.
CGS provided vital distribution channels for cannabis products and access to areas without established retail outlets. This support was crucial for small farmers struggling with market limitations. Many invested heavily in the legal cannabis industry and are now facing uncertainty due to the program's sudden termination.
Despite the program's success, OCM's decision leaves many small farmers without a crucial lifeline. With only a few weeks remaining, a new application for pop-up showcases in Rosendale has been submitted, offering a glimmer of hope for some. However, the future of small cannabis farmers in New York remains uncertain.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-larisa-shpineva
Categories: New York, Crops