Medical Marijuana in New York
In 2014, the New York Legislature enacted the Compassionate Care Act, creating Public Health Law §§ 3360–3369 and Codes, Rules, and Regulations tit. 10, pt. 1004. This Act legalized medical marijuana use for qualified patients with severe conditions. The State of New York only appointed a limited number of vendors, requiring them to vertically integrate their services, from seed to sale. Since then, the qualifying conditions loosened some to include chronic pain, treatment for PTSD, and opioid addiction. See 10 NYCCR §§ 1004.1, 1004.2(8)(a)(xi)–(xiii). There are currently ten (10) licensed registered organizations.
Recreational Marijuana Use in New York
On March 31, 2021, the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (“MRTA“) was signed into law legalizing recreational, adult-use (21+) of marijuana. This legislation established a new Office of Cannabis Management (“OCM”) governed by the Cannabis Control Board to oversee not only the recreational program, but also the state’s pre-existing medical marijuana program. Furthermore, in October 2021, the Cannabis Control Board further advanced regulations by proposing at-home cultivation for medical marijuana patients’ personal use. In addition, OCM will actively promote “social and economic equity” applicants who have been harmed by the prohibition of cannabis for adult-use licenses. For the MRTA’s regulatory framework, you can stay up-to-date of proposed and existing regulations by clicking here.
Upcoming Marijuana Business License Applications
New York’s OCM has just released that it will begin accepting applications for general Cultivator, Processor, Retailer, Distributor, & Microbusiness licenses in October 2023!
According to the OCM’s projected timeline, they will release the Application Instructions and Guides in September 2023, so interested applicants can prepare to ensure their operations meet all regulatory requirements. We will post the Application Instructions and Guides here once they are released.
In August 15, 2022, New York’s OCM announced that the CCB approved of the regulations for Testing Laboratories and Sampling Firms. For those interested, the OCM is currently accepting applications for Testing Labs & Sampling Firms.
Now is the time to get started with your strategic business plan! As the new additions of adult-use licenses expands the business opportunities for those wishing to enter New York’s soon-to-be billion dollar marijuana market, it is crucial to have a team of experts by your side to guide you through this newly developed process. If you are interested in acquiring a New York Marijuana Business License, contact us to discuss your options.
Last Updated: August 1st, 2023