Fear is looming over the cannabis industry as many try to maneuver their way into the nascent New York market. There is deep concern that social equity participants and small business owners won't have a level playing field to compete against large corporations or interstate trade.
One New York hemp farmer has been working hard behind the scenes to make sure craft farmers in his state are ready when legalization rolls out. He is Allan Gandelman, president of the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association, a longtime farmer, and activist.
Here, he talks about preparing for New York's cannabis debut and his biggest worry—federal legalization and interstate commerce.