Empire State Green Standard Alliance Launches to Empower New York Cannabis Consumers
New York, NY – (September 10th) – Today marks the official launch of the Empire State Green Standard Alliance (GSA), a new statewide organization dedicated to protecting and empowering cannabis consumers across New York State by advancing safety, education, and fair policy.
Our Mission & Vision
The GSA exists to fill the long-overlooked gap in consumer advocacy within New York’s evolving cannabis landscape. As legalization matures, cannabis consumers—patients, recreational users, or first-time buyers—deserve the same rights and protections afforded in any other legal market: safe and locally produced products, honest labeling, fair pricing, and clear recourse when things go awry.
We envision a New York where every cannabis user—resident, visitor, or tourist—can trust their products are safe, high-quality, and transparently handled. Our aim: to establish a transparent, accountable cannabis marketplace that sets the national standard for consumer protection, industry fairness, and public confidence.
Our Mission & Vision
The launch of the GSA comes at a pivotal moment for New York’s cannabis consumers, as both independent journalism and state regulators have confirmed problems in the market.
Why Now?
The launch of the GSA comes at a pivotal moment for New York’s cannabis consumers, as both independent journalism and state regulators have confirmed problems in the market.
Troubling Investigations
August 30, 2025 – New York Times: “Why Legal Weed Might Not Be as Safe, or as Strong, as Advertised” revealed that products sold in licensed dispensaries contained toxic mold, arsenic, pesticides above state limits, and THC far below advertised potency, despite being approved by state-licensed labs.
April 7, 2025 – New York Times: “New York Investigates Brands Accused of Selling Illegally Sourced Weed” detailed how major brands are under investigation for funneling illegally sourced, out-of-state cannabis into New York dispensaries — a practice that undermines both consumer safety and local farmers.
These findings underscore the urgent need for a consumer watchdog to ensure promises of legalization are kept: safe, tested, and locally grown cannabis.
The State’s Own Market Report Confirms the Challenges
Earlier this year, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) released its 2024 Market Report, identifying six major challenges in the industry. Each represents a direct threat to consumer rights — and each is an area where the Green Standard Alliance can make an impact:
1. 1Illicit Market Competition
Challenge: Unlicensed storefronts and delivery services undercut the legal market.
GSA Role: Educate consumers on identifying licensed businesses; advocate for faster shutdowns of illegal shops; publicize lists of licensed vs. unlicensed dispensaries.
2. Limited Retail Access
Challenge: Dispensary deserts in upstate and rural areas fuel illegal reliance.
GSA Role: Push for expanded licensing in underserved regions; spotlight “cannabis deserts”.
3. High Prices Compared to the Illicit Market
Challenge: Legal products remain significantly more expensive, driving consumers away.
GSA Role: Advocate for tax reforms to lower prices; pressure operators for fair pricing; educate consumers on why legal safety testing adds value.
4. Overstock of Wholesale Cannabis
Challenge: Surplus product risks entering illicit channels and harming small growers.
GSA Role: Campaign for freshness standards; educate consumers on quality; run “buy local” campaigns to support farmers, processors and microbusinesses.
5. Social & Economic Equity (SEE) Progress is Slow
Challenge: Many equity license holders struggle to open or compete.
GSA Role: Promote equity dispensaries in consumer campaigns; advocate for stronger state support programs.
6. Inconsistent Consumer Awareness & Confidence
Challenge: Widespread confusion about what is legal, safe, or licensed.
GSA Role: Launch public education campaigns; develop digital tools to verify licensed products and report concerns.
Founding Leadership
The Alliance’s impact is anchored by a diverse and experienced founding board:
Herb Barbot, Chair — former inaugural Director of Operations at New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management and host of the “Joint Session” podcast.
Joseph Levey, Partner at Helbraun Levey — cannabis and liquor-law licensing expert with a strong advocacy background.
Mark Wagner, Counsel at The West Firm — corporate and regulatory compliance specialist, recognized as a “Rising Star” in law and a “40 Under 40” recipient.
Linda Baldwin, Special Counsel at Vasquez Attorneys at Law - an attorney with 25 years experience in government and private practice, specializing in regulatory affairs and litigation and former General Counsel at the NYS Office of Cannabis Management.
Joe Rossi will serve as Chief Strategist. Joe is a veteran political strategist, lobbyist, and policy architect known for landmark work on New York’s hemp and cannabis policy.
What’s Next?
The attached billboards will go live from Buffalo to Albany on September 15th.
White Paper on “inversion” will be published in October.
About Green Standard Alliance
The Empire State Green Standard Alliance is New York’s first statewide consumer advocacy organization in the cannabis space. GSA is committed to advancing safety, education, and fair policy to ensure that cannabis consumers are heard, protected, and empowered.