How is the New York Cannabis Control Board Shaping the State's Market?

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Legal Cannabis Sales Soar in New York

New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced in a recent press release that the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held their monthly public meeting where the organization discussed industry updates and a major market milestone of total legal cannabis sales reaching more than $2.09 billion (1). This year, the New York cannabis industry generated around $1.06 billion.

Aside from these industry updates, the OCM disclosed various priorities held by the organization. Those priorities included “background on OCM move to comply with the Cannabis Law related to dispensary locations and school proximity, advancements in the state’s Seed-to-Sale tracking system, the launch of the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel (CEAP), and a reporting reminder for cultivators through the Power Score platform,” (1). Additional topics discussed were OCM’s plans to support compliance within the cannabis supply chain.

Adult-Use Licenses Approved

In the press release, the OCM announced that the CCB had approved 46 additional adult-use cannabis licenses. The Big Apple state now has a total number of 1,904 licenses issued (1). The Social and Economic Equity (SEE) holds 57% of those licenses which the press release mentions helps reflect “New York’s ongoing commitment to making sure that equity thrives in cannabusiness,” (1).

According to the press release, the 46 cannabis licenses include (1):

• Adult-Use Cultivator License: 8

• Adult-Use Distributor License: 4

• Adult-Use Microbusiness License: 4

• Adult-Use Processor License: 14

• Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: 12

• CAURD Final Licensure: 4

“Our work extends far beyond issuing licenses and setting regulations, it’s about shaping a cannabis industry that truly reflects the values of New York,” said Jessica García, Chair of the Cannabis Control Board (1). “Every decision we make is rooted in equity, transparency, and a long-term vision for a thriving market. Together with OCM, we are building a system that communities can trust, one that creates opportunity, protects public health, and ensures this industry serves every corner of our state for generations to come.”

Extension for Adult-Use and CAURD Provisional License Approved

During their monthly public meeting, the CCB disclosed that they had approved a measure that would grant an extension to all provisional adult-use and all provisional CAURD licenses (1). With the extension, licensees will have additional time to secure locations and work on obtaining full licensure. Any provisional licenses that were issued between September 9, 2025 and December 30, 2025, will also be applicable in the recently announced extension.

New CEAP Receives Approval

The CCB moved forward with their decision to approve the formation of the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel (CEAP), a group that will be focused on educating youth on cannabis in the state (1). CEAP will consist of around 15 members that will include clinicians, individuals with lived experience, educators, researchers, and public health experts.

“The launch of the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel is an exciting step forward in OCM’s work to ensure that the needs of communities and the perspectives of folks who are deeply engaged in public health show up in the work of the agency,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management (1). “Information is power, and education is the heartbeat of progress. Through CEAP, OCM looks to empower communities to make informed choices and foster a deeper sense of trust in New York’s evolving cannabis industry. With the upcoming rollout of the Seed-to-Sale system and other key initiatives, OCM is in a moment of tremendous growth and innovation. By continuing to listen and learn with New Yorkers, we can keep growing together a create an industry that reflects the values and hopes of all New Yorkers.”

Those interested in joining CEAP will be able to apply on OCM’s website between September 9 to October 9, 2025.

Reference

1. https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/09/september-2025-ccb-release.pdf (accessed Sep 10, 2025).