Curaleaf Urged Hochul to Sign Cannabis Inversion Bill
The company purchased a full-page newspaper ad calling for the governor to sign legislation targeting illicit cannabis.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Advertising
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Curaleaf has launched a public push for Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Cannabis Supply Chain and Anti-Inversion Act. The legislation passed the state legislature in June 2026 and aims to curb the influx of untaxed, out-of-state cannabis products into New York.
Why it matters
Proponents argue that strict enforcement is essential to protect tax revenue and ensure consumer safety. The bill seeks to stop illicit cannabis from entering the regulated supply chain by penalizing supply chain inversions.
The New York state legislature passed the Anti-Inversion Act in June 2026, establishing a $10,000 civil penalty per day for confirmed violations. Licensed cannabis dispensaries in the state are projected to generate $1.9 billion in sales in 2026.
The players
Curaleaf
This is a large-scale cannabis corporation that maintains six retail locations across New York.
Kathy Hochul
She is the current Governor of New York who faces calls to sign the Cannabis Supply Chain and Anti-Inversion Act.
Office of Cannabis Management
This is the state agency responsible for overseeing and enforcing cannabis regulations in New York.
The details
Curaleaf, which operates six dispensaries in New York, published a full-page advertisement in the New York Post on September 23, 2026. The legislation authorizes the Office of Cannabis Management to seek suspension orders against licensees suspected of importing illicit product.
Timeline
December 2022: Adult-use cannabis sales commenced in New York.
January 2024: Curaleaf began adult-use cannabis sales in New York.
June 2026: The state legislature passed the Anti-Inversion Act.
September 23, 2026: Curaleaf published the full-page newspaper advertisement.
Market Landscape
This legislation builds upon the state's 2026 implementation of a Metrc track-and-trace system to stabilize the regulated market. The move highlights the ongoing struggle to protect licensed retailers against illicit cannabis supply chain competition.
Consumers buying through licensed state dispensaries may see a shift in market availability as the state moves to eliminate untaxed illicit products. The legislation is intended to ensure that all cannabis sold legally in New York contributes to state tax revenue.
The takeaway
The move underscores the tension between corporate retailers and the state's efforts to regulate the flow of legal versus illicit product. Regulatory enforcement through financial penalties represents a major shift in how the state manages its growing cannabis economy.
Further reading
For more on the current state of industry regulation, visit Advertising.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cannabis Business Times.
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