Rules For New York Cannabis Licenses To Take Key Step

Open in Our App

Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More

Open in Spectrum News App

Continue in Browser

State of PoliticsRead up on New York politics with our Capital Tonight team. End Zone PodcastWant the latest news on the Buffalo Bills? Listen to our Buffalo End Zone podcast with Andy Young and Kevin Carroll. Traffic MapGet up-to-date traffic information around the area with our interactive traffic map. WEATHER ALERTSView full list of weather alerts. Rules for New York cannabis licenses to take key step BY Nick Reisman Albany PUBLISHED 5:16 AM ET Jul. 14, 2022 PUBLISHED 5:16 AM EDT Jul. 14, 2022 SHARE

The state's coming cannabis marketplace is set to take a major step later on Thursday with a vote for regulations and rules for licensing dispensaries in New York.

The Office of Cannabis Management on Wednesday released finalized proposed regulations for the licensing of adult-use retail dispensaries. The first licenses are expected to go to people who have been affected by the enforcement of prior marijuana laws and have developed business backgrounds.

Applicants will have to submit documentation showing they can qualify for a license, including a qualifying cannabis-related offense for themselves or a close family member, supporting detials of their qualifying business or non-profit as well as financial disclosures.

They are expected to make the first sales in the cannabis retail sectors with products grown in New York by the end of 2022.

“These proposals before us are central to the Seeding Opportunity Initiative and its goal of opening New York’s adult-use cannabis market by leading with New York’s farmers and entrepreneurs,” said Tremaine Wright, the chair of the Cannabis Control Board. “I’m thankful to the Office for preparing these regulations and application and look forward to considering them as we work to establish an equitable and inclusive industry.”

Cannabis regulators reviewed more than 600 public comments to help shape the licensing process. If given final approval later on Thursday, the regulations will take effect on Aug. 3.

Meanwhile and separately, cannabis regulators announced new regulations for the state's medicinal marijuana sector. The changes are meant to streamline the patient registration process, revise packaging, labeling and advertising and requiring the supervision of a pharmacist to be fully in person.

LATEST NEWS