Cannabis lobbyists form alliance

[hrmjustin]

Benjamin Oreskes

Albany

A group of Capital Region lobbyists for hopeful cannabis growers and dispensary owners started a business alliance on Thursday.

Organizers say the Medical Cannabis Industry Alliance of New York is a clearinghouse for those who hope to enter New York state's budding field. MCIA's membership will be composed of growers, real estate interests and advocates — as well as other industries associated with medical marijuana.

In Connecticut, where the medical marijuana industry is tightly regulated, a comparable group struggled to get off the ground and quickly closed. Owners of dispensaries in Connecticut said that organization was launched prematurely, before the state began requesting applications to take part in the system.

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Cannabis-lobbyists-form-alliance-5629537.php