PoliticsNY Cannabis Industry Power Players

Jeremy Cooney, Co-Chair of the Marijuana Task Force, New York State Senate

New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney represents parts of the city of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region. He was named co-chair of the Marijuana Task Force for the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus and was instrumental in passing landmark legislation to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana. Named by Business Insider as a ‘Power Player’ in New York’s cannabis industry, Senator Cooney has introduced new legislation centered on ensuring equity in the new cannabis marketplace.

Where do you see the cannabis industry in New York State in five years?
My hope is that, in addition to the NYC market, Rochester and other upstate cities are a focal point for both cannabis production and retail sales. Most importantly, in five years, we should begin to see the results of our community reinvestment with the new local and state tax revenue derived from cannabis. Reinvestment is critical to addressing the historic wrongs of the failed War on Drugs to ensure that this new economy is benefiting those communities where systematic disinvestment over decades did the most harm.

What attracted you to the cannabis industry?
My cannabis policy interest is driven by the positive impact it can have on my hometown of Rochester and the state’s economy as a whole. I am laser-focused on ensuring equity in this new industry for underrepresented groups that were negatively impacted by cannabis policy. This law can’t just be about changing the rules, rather it should be about repairing social and economic harm done to New Yorkers. The legislation allows us to provide justice to New Yorkers, primarily people of color, by expunging low-level marijuana drug convictions. It also allows those most harmed by the failed War on Drugs the ability to financially benefit in the new adult-use recreational market, with the opportunity to build generational wealth through our licensure process. Moreover, the earned sales tax revenue from the sale of recreational cannabis will be turned around and directly reinvested back into communities that have experienced systematic disinvestment — that means more youth programming, workforce training, and neighborhood safety initiatives.

Tell us one fun fact about cannabis!
The first American Flag, sewn by Betsy Ross, was made of industrial hemp. Cannabis is part of our national history.

Cannabis has clear value to people’s health. Tell us your favorite way to stay healthy and fit.
Undoubtedly, the pandemic has changed how each of us focus on our health. I enjoy walking around the historic neighborhoods of Rochester with my wife, Diane. Nothing clears my head better than unplugging for a brisk walk while exploring our beautiful city.