It’s been 4 years since passing the MRTA is more than a milestone—it’s a chance to measure progress and chart next steps for New York’s cannabis industry. Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr. and CANY President Damien Cornwell mark MRTA’s fourth anniversary by spotlighting where the law has succeeded—and where it still falls short.
Read the full op-ed in amNewYork → https://www.amny.com/opinion/mrta-what-kind-future-are-we-cultivating/
Why this 4th year with the MRTA milestone matters
Since March 2021, MRTA has spurred 400+ dispensaries, generated $200 million in tax revenue and dedicated 40 % of proceeds to community reinvestment. Yet only $25 million has reached social-justice programs, and 70 % of equity-designated businesses remain unopened. A recent analysis also estimates illicit sales at 15 % of total consumption—a persistent drag on legal operators.
Top 4 lessons from MRTA’s fourth anniversary
- Non-dilutive grants over loans. A dedicated Cannabis Revitalization Fund must prioritize grants to equity applicants, not debt.
- Expand microbusiness rights. Increase processing limits, widen retail radii, and reserve shelf space for small, equity brands that embody MRTA’s intent.
- Enforce against illicit storefronts. Pair neighborhood crackdowns with business-development support to protect licensed shops.
- Transparent reporting. Publish annual equity metrics on license approvals, fund distributions, and economic impact.
“If we ignore the equity goal now, we betray the communities the MRTA was built to help,” Cornwell told amNewYork.
What comes next
Zaccaro and Cornwell urge three key actions before Year 5:
- Finalize Revitalization Fund rules to unlock $200 million for small operators.
- Streamline local permitting so municipalities can’t stall equity applicants behind red tape.
- Create an MRTA Implementation Task Force to oversee data, deliverables, and accountability.
Implementing these steps could support 1,500+ equity ventures, create 2,000 new jobs, and ensure MRTA’s promise of a truly equitable cannabis market.