New York State Cannabis Control Board approves major regulatory overhaul, issuing over 100 new licenses and increasing enforcement powers

Of the 104 licenses, 27 were for adult cultivation, 23 for distributors, 14 for micro-businesses, 17 for processing and 23 for retail outlets, and 17 temporary licenses for additional retail outlets. With this resolution, the state opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to participate in the growing adult-use cannabis market, supporting economic growth and innovation.

The new measures direct the Office of Cannabis Management to prioritize processing applications from the November queue before processing applications from the December queue. This decision found that November applicants were required to demonstrate control over their proposed retail dispensary or micro-enterprise locations, and this requirement was not imposed on December applicants.

The resolution ensures that applications meeting all necessary requirements for a full operating license will be recommended to the CCB for approval at upcoming Board meetings. Applications that partially meet the criteria will be eligible for a provisional license, while applications that do not meet the requirements will be rejected. Temporary permits may be issued if the applicant’s location conflicts with a protected proximity zone, is close to schools or places of worship, or if control of the location is lost.

Additionally, the Board plans to provide updates to December pipeline applications based on new analysis of supply and demand in the cannabis supply chain.

In response to legal proceedings that suspended the issuance and processing of CAURD licenses for five months, the CCB adopted a resolution to extend the temporary license period for an additional 12 months from the date of receipt. This extension includes provisions requiring licensees to commence operations within 12 months of the issuance of a provisional licence. The resolution also grants CAURD licensees the flexibility to open retail dispensaries in any region of New York State, removing previous restrictions on specific regions.

The CCB also passed a resolution authorizing the Bureau of Cannabis Management to amend its emergency enforcement regulations, titled “Part 133 – Violations, Hearings, and Emergency Enforcement Regulations.” This extension gives the Authority expanded powers to order the closure and padlocking of unlicensed shops engaged in illegal activities that pose an immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of the public. This measure underscores the state’s commitment to protecting communities and consumers throughout New York.

“The resolutions adopted today exemplify our proactive approach to shaping a robust regulatory framework for New York’s cannabis market while maintaining transparency and adaptability,” said Tremaine Wright, chair of the Cannabis Control Board. “Through measures such as extending temporary license periods and increasing enforcement powers, we are ensuring an accessible market that prioritizes public health and safety, as well as innovation and development. Together, these actions will strengthen the success of entrepreneurs in the market.”

A complete list of licensed, operating adult-use cannabis retailers in New York is available here.