New York State launches campaign inviting consumers to buy legal cannabis

New York Governor Kathy Hochul launched a communications campaign last week to encourage consumers to buy their cannabis legally. The state of New York legalized cannabis in 2021 and has since been working to establish a legal market.

«To strengthen the public health and safety of all New Yorkers, we're providing 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 fairer cannabis market, I'm proud to launch this important public education campaign to promote legal and safer cannabis purchases at licensed dispensaries across the state.»

A campaign launched on 4/20

The new campaign, titled «Why Buy Legal New York,» was launched on April 20, when only a handful of outlets are currently authorized to sell cannabis legally.

The initiative focuses on three points - protecting public health, promoting social equity and community reinvestment - and features licensed cannabis operators extolling the virtues of legal cannabis businesses and their products.

«We are thrilled to launch this campaign to promote the legal and safe purchase of cannabis in New York,» said Tremaine Wright, president of New York's cannabis regulator. «By supporting licensed dispensaries, consumers can be confident they are getting safe and properly labeled products, while supporting their local communities.».

The campaign, primarily online, will attempt to explain the potential risks associated with cannabis from the unregulated market, which does not require products to be lab-tested for safety and potency.

Campaign ads will also highlight how buying cannabis on the legal market supports the state's social and economic goals for New York State communities.

The initiative, aimed at cannabis consumers aged 21, includes educational materials, including the «Guide to Safer Cannabis Use» and information on how to find legal dispensaries in New York. Campaign materials and tips for safer consumption are also available on the website. available online.

«We want to make sure that New Yorkers are informed about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis use,» said Chris Alexander, executive director of the’Office of Cannabis Management of the State of New York. «Our goal is to enable consumers to make informed decisions and ensure that they have access to the safest products available. New York State has some incredible cannabis dispensaries, and I encourage cannabis consumers and the curious to visit these stores and see for themselves.».