Top N.Y. Cannabis Official Resigns as Major Investigation Is Dropped

OG article by Ashley Southall

December 9, 2025

New York’s top cannabis official, Felicia A.B. Reid, resigned on Monday at Gov. Kathy Hochul’s request after the Office of Cannabis Management withdrew a major enforcement case against Long Island-based marijuana company Omnium Health on the eve of trial. Hochul accepted Reid’s immediate resignation, citing ongoing stumbles in the agency’s leadership amid the state’s rocky rollout of a legal cannabis market. The governor highlighted how the office had repeatedly hindered the market’s potential, most recently by dropping the compliance action against Omnium. The withdrawal also included lifting an order recalling products made at Omnium’s facilities for leading brands. James Rogers, the former prosecutor who led the Omnium investigation, was fired, according to sources. Omnium did not comment. This event underscores persistent challenges in New York’s cannabis regulatory framework, where leadership issues have slowed progress. The resignation reflects broader frustrations with the agency’s performance in managing the legal market rollout. Stakeholders have criticized delays and inconsistencies that have impacted businesses and consumers alike. The dropped case against Omnium raises questions about enforcement reliability and potential influences on decisions. As the state continues to navigate these hurdles, the focus remains on stabilizing operations to foster a thriving, compliant industry. Future appointments will be crucial in addressing these ongoing issues and restoring confidence in the regulatory process. This development highlights the need for stronger oversight.