The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held its monthly public meeting at The SUNY Global Center in New York City. The diverse agenda addressed critical areas that signal continued growth and accessibility in the State’s cannabis industry. Outcomes include approval of more than 120 adult-use licenses, the expansion of patient access and critical care, and the approval of an additional four registered organizations (ROs). Additionally, The Board, in collaboration with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) determined that provisional Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses would be extended for an additional six months before expiration. This additional time was deemed necessary to provide licensees with the support needed to become fully operational.
“OCM’s commitment to building an equitable and active cannabis market in New York goes beyond regulation—it’s about fostering an environment that gives all licensees the opportunity to succeed,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, OCM’s Acting Executive Director
Adult-Use License Approvals
The CCB approved 125 new adult-use cannabis licenses, bringing the total to 1,311, including 217 CAURD licenses, 54% of which are held by Social and Economic Equity (SEE) licensees. This progress reflects the CCB’s and OCM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, growth-driven cannabis market.
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The 125 licenses include: |
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Adult-Use Cultivator License: |
6 |
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Adult-Use Distributor License: |
11 |
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Adult-Use Microbusiness License: |
30 |
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Adult-Use Processor License: |
36 |
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Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: |
42 |
11 out of the 125 are transitioning conditional cultivators or conditional processors.
Medical Dispensaries Grow Patient Access Across the State
OCM provided an update on the expansion of the state’s medical cannabis infrastructure, emphasizing its commitment to continued accessibility. Since 2016, the state has worked to support the expansion of medical cannabis, addressing the needs of the 40% of active medical users who report difficulties accessing medication. During the meeting, the CCB approved four new RO licenses to join the Medical Cannabis Program, reinforcing the CCB and OCM’s dedication to prioritizing underserved regions. OCM also remains focused on implementing measures to maintain accessibility, including holding ROs accountable to serve New Yorkers and creating necessary safeguards to support medical patients.
“Bolstering medical cannabis access is essential for making sure patients all across New York can get the care they need,” said Tremaine Wright, Chairperson of The New York State Cannabis Control Board. “By approving this latest batch of ROs, we are opening up more opportunities to improve access, quality and innovation.”
Processing Type 3 Branding License
The OCM has opened its Processor Type 3 Branding License window. The branding license authorizes the brand licensee to enter into white label agreements with duly licensed cannabis processors in the State who will manufacture the brand’s cannabis products. This license type does not authorize any plant touching cannabis activity. Applications are accessible on the OCM website.
Market and Social Economic Equity Update: New York's Growing Cannabis Industry
New York’s cannabis industry continues to thrive with cumulative sales surpassing $800 million. Weekly sales have surged to $24.3 million in early November, and annual figures are on the brink of a billion dollars, underscoring the rapid momentum within the market.
The state has demonstrated its commitment to social and economic equity (SEE) by ensuring broad participation in the adult-use licensing process. Of the 1,094 adult-use licenses issued in 2024, 587—equivalent to 54%—were awarded to SEE applicants. This includes 28 Community Disproportionately Impacted (CDI) applicants (5%), 39 distressed farmers (6%), 222 minority-owned businesses (38%), 42 service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (7%), and 256 women-owned businesses (44%).
These SEE applicants have been successful across all categories of licensure, reinforcing New York’s dedication to building an inclusive market. Of the cohort approved at the CCB meeting, 76 of the 124, or 61%, were SEE applicants.
There are currently 229 legal dispensaries open for business across the Empire State. A full list of New York’s licensed, operational adult-use cannabis retailers is available here.