New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday launched a new statewide campaign to encourage consumers to buy cannabis at the state’s regulated recreational marijuana market. New York legalized adult use of cannabis in 2021, and regulated sales of recreational marijuana began at the state’s first licensed dispensary in Manhattan in late December 2022.
“To promote the public health and safety of all New Yorkers, we provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions and enjoy cannabis responsibly.” Hochul said In a statement from the governor’s office. “As we continue to build a healthier and more equitable cannabis market, I am proud to launch this important public education campaign to promote safer, legal purchases of cannabis from licensed dispensaries across our state.”
The campaign launched in time for 4/20
The new campaign, dubbed “Why Buy Legal NY,” comes as the state’s limited number of adult-use cannabis sellers prepare for the industry’s first legal 4/20, weed culture’s high holiday. The initiative focuses on three points including protecting public health, promoting social justice and societal reinvestment, and features licensed cannabis operators extolling the virtues of the regulated marijuana business and its products.
“We are excited to launch this campaign to promote the safe and legal purchases of cannabis in New York,” said Tremaine Wright, chairwoman of the New York Cannabis Control Council. “By supporting licensed dispensaries, consumers can be confident that they are getting safe, accurately labeled products while supporting their local communities.”
The mostly digital campaign will attempt to explain potential risks associated with cannabis from the unregulated market, which does not require products to be tested in a lab for safety and efficacy. Ads in the campaign will also highlight how purchasing cannabis on the regulated market supports the state’s social and economic goals for communities across New York State. The initiative, aimed at 21-year-old cannabis consumers, includes educational materials including a “Guide to Safer Cannabis Consumption” and information on how to find legal dispensaries in New York. Campaign materials and tips for safe consumption are also available Available online.
“We want to make sure New Yorkers are informed about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis use,” said Chris Alexander, executive director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “Our goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions and ensure they have access to the safest products available. New York has some great dispensaries across the state, and I encourage cannabis consumers and the curious to visit these stores and see for themselves.”
PSA Advantage Licensed Cannabis Operators
The Why Buy Legal New York campaign features licensed cannabis operators including Jasmine and King, growers who focus on community and wellness focused cannabis properties. Howard is a licensed therapist focused on modern safety practices and educational efforts to produce safer cannabis products, while Damien is a licensed cannabis retailer focused on social justice reform and reinvestment in society, bringing over five years of experience as a business owner to the regulated cannabis industry in New York . And Eddie, another licensed healer, combines his experience from more than five generations of family farming to create safer cannabis products for the regulated market.
The Why Buy Legal New York initiative is “necessary to educate New Yorkers about the importance of buying cannabis legally from licensed dispensaries,” said Leila Hunt, deputy director of Public Health Campaigns and Education.
“These PSAs are designed to provide a stark contrast to the exaggerations and inaccurate messaging many witnessed during the cannabis ban. By emphasizing the health and safety benefits of buying legally, we hope to build trust in the regulated cannabis industry and encourage New Yorkers to make informed decisions regarding consumption of cannabis,” Hunt added. “This campaign is also an opportunity to address historic damages and promote societal reinvestment while providing valuable information about the regulated cannabis space. We are excited to launch this campaign and believe it will make a huge difference in the lives of New Yorkers, supporting a safer and equitable cannabis industry for all and promoting an education-first approach.” of New York State.”
