Hochul wants to open medical marijuana center — but critics say plan is half-baked

OG article by Carl Campanile

January 15, 2026

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposes the nation's first "Center for Excellence for Cannabis Care and Health Equity" to boost medical marijuana access in minority communities, where recreational dispensaries outnumber medical ones. Partnering with medical schools, it will train clinicians on cannabis pharmacology, evidence-based care, and counseling—areas often missing from education—and may license trained providers. Hochul highlights it in her 2026 policy book to address racial disparities. Critics call it half-baked amid pressing issues like education and safety. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman mocked it as out-of-touch, while Sen. George Borrello criticized the legal cannabis rollout's failures, including self-medication concerns. A UCLA study questioned benefits for certain conditions and noted risks. Advocates support education but urge tax reductions on medical products. Hochul also plans cannabis business incubators with SUNY/CUNY partnerships.