Medical pot pioneer rips ‘un-American’ Hochul, NY regulators for allegedly thwarting businesses: ‘Want to destroy us’

Boris Jordan, CEO of Curaleaf, has accused New York Governor Kathy Hochul and state regulators of imposing unfair barriers that hinder legal cannabis businesses like his from thriving in the adult-use market. Jordan, who pioneered medical cannabis sales in New York, claims the state's high costs and preference for social equity applicants are damaging established businesses. He argues that the regulations prevent companies like Curaleaf from expanding into the recreational market, despite their substantial investments in the state's cannabis infrastructure. The situation is exacerbated by illicit cannabis imported from other states, making it difficult for compliant businesses to compete on price.
The controversy highlights tensions between established medical cannabis firms and new social equity entrants in New York's burgeoning cannabis market. Medical cannabis providers must pay significant fees to transition to the adult-use market, a requirement that many find prohibitive. This has led to a legal challenge against the state. Meanwhile, the state's Office of Cannabis Management is investigating claims of out-of-state cannabis entering the market, which they say undermines the integrity of New York's regulations. Governor Hochul's office defends the policies, citing the competitive advantages that medical operators hold, and emphasizes the role these companies play in the state's expanding cannabis sector.
RATING
The article provides a compelling narrative of the challenges faced by medical cannabis operators in New York, particularly from the perspective of Curaleaf's CEO, Boris Jordan. It effectively highlights key issues such as regulatory barriers and market competition, which are of significant public interest. However, the article's reliance on a single primary source limits its balance and source quality, reducing its overall reliability. The lack of diverse perspectives and detailed verification of claims detracts from its accuracy and impact. Despite these limitations, the article is well-written, timely, and engages with important debates in the cannabis industry, making it a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions about cannabis regulation and market dynamics.
RATING DETAILS
The story presents several claims that are generally verifiable, such as the accusations by Boris Jordan against Gov. Kathy Hochul and state regulators. These claims are specific and can be cross-referenced with statements from Curaleaf or regulatory documents. However, the article lacks direct evidence or third-party verification for some of the allegations, such as the specific financial impact of conversion costs or the extent of illicit cannabis imports. The story accurately notes the historical context of New York's cannabis laws and market trends, with figures like the drop in medical cannabis patients and the number of dispensaries, which are factual and can be verified through state reports or industry publications.
The article primarily presents the perspective of Boris Jordan and Curaleaf, focusing heavily on their grievances against New York state regulators. While it does mention the state's defense of its policies and the concerns of social equity licensees, these viewpoints are less developed compared to Jordan's narrative. The story could be more balanced by providing a more detailed exploration of the state's rationale for its policies and the perspectives of other stakeholders in the cannabis market, such as smaller operators or consumer advocacy groups.
The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the key points of the story. The language is straightforward, making the article accessible to a general audience. However, some complex issues, such as the specifics of regulatory policies and market dynamics, could be explained in more detail to enhance understanding. The tone remains neutral, which aids in maintaining clarity and focus on the facts presented.
The primary source for the article is Boris Jordan, whose position as CEO of Curaleaf gives him a vested interest in the narrative. While his insights are valuable, the article would benefit from additional sources, such as independent industry experts or regulatory officials, to provide a more rounded perspective. The lack of diverse sources limits the reliability of the article, as it relies heavily on one individual's viewpoint without corroboration from other authoritative voices.
The article provides some context about the legal and regulatory environment in New York's cannabis market, which helps readers understand the basis of the claims. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology, such as how the financial figures were obtained or the criteria for the 'social equity' licenses. The potential conflict of interest, given the source's business interests, is not explicitly addressed, which could impact the perceived impartiality of the claims.
Sources
- https://www.cannabisequipmentnews.com/news/news/22940841/curaleaf-sees-improvement-in-new-york-after-crackdown-on-illegally-sourced-weed
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHKjsOoWkYo
- https://thedalesreport.com/cannabis/curaleafs-boris-jordan-talks-2025-cannabis-trends/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8zxBPf0R3I
- https://news.crbmonitor.com/2023/03/curaleafs-undisclosed-ties-to-sanctioned-oligarch-spur-regulatory-scrutiny/
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

NYC bill would fix discovery law loophole after state ‘half-measure’ on evidence sharing
Score 6.4
NY’s new budget soars to record $254B— here’s why it might go even higher
Score 7.4
NYS Dems pack budget full of ‘self-serving’ perks, watchdog group has ‘nothing positive to say’ about it
Score 5.0
Inside the Robert De Niro-backed, state-of-the-art ‘vertical film studio’ that’s changing NYC’s entertainment industry
Score 7.2