Cannabis Control Board Approves 93 Licenses, Addresses Equity

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The New York State Cannabis Control Board convened for its April 2025 meeting on Wednesday, April 24, approving 93 new adult-use cannabis licenses and advancing key measures to strengthen equity, enforcement, and regulatory clarity.

The meeting, led by Chair Tremaine Wright, marked another major step forward in New York’s effort to build a sustainable and inclusive cannabis industry.

“We remain focused on supporting equity, strengthening enforcement, and reinvesting in communities,” Wright said. “Our goal is to build an industry that benefits all New Yorkers.”

New Licenses Approved

The board authorized 93 new adult-use licenses. This includes two cultivators, 34 retail dispensaries, 15 microbusinesses, seven distributors, and 35 processors. The majority of applicants were from the October to December 2023 licensing window.

This approval brings the total number of adult-use licenses in New York to 1,605. Patrick McKeage, executive deputy director at the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), noted that about 400 applications from the November queue are still under review, with approximately 180 provisional licensees seeking viable locations.

“We continue to make progress through the queues,” McKeage said.

Focus on Provisional Licenses and Timeline Transparency

Board members requested a detailed timeline on the expiration of provisional licenses. They asked OCM to provide updates on when each licensee’s 12-month deadline to secure a location would come due.

“Understanding when those provisional licenses mature will help the board plan ahead,” Wright said.

Licenses and Renewals

The board renewed six Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses. These renewals reflect two years of operation under New York’s equity-focused CAURD program, which prioritizes justice-involved individuals.

“All six dispensaries renewed today are fully operational,” McKeage confirmed.

The board also allowed 46 licensees to amend their location or cultivation tier.

“Most are simply moving locations or changing cultivation methods,” McKeage explained, noting that amendment requests must be submitted via an official survey on the OCM website.

Public Convenience and Advantage (PCA) Requests

Two PCA requests were considered, allowing applicants to operate within restricted distance zones if justified by public benefit.

The board approved Soho Dispensary Corp’s request in Forest Hills, Queens, citing high population density and positive municipal opinion.

However, the board tabled a decision on Blaze New York LLC’s application in Hudson. They cited concerns about pedestrian safety, parking, and density in the small city of 6,000 residents.

Administrative Appeals Affirmed

The board affirmed administrative decisions in two appeals:

• BMillz LLC: The board upheld penalties for unlicensed activity after multiple cease orders were ignored.
• 670 Main LLC (Main Street Mini-Mart): The board upheld an order to seal the premises for selling unregulated cannabis products without proper labeling.

Market Outlook and Community Engagement

The OCM reported that March 2025 cannabis sales reached nearly $140 million, the state’s highest month to date. Experts project April to surpass that figure, boosted by a surge of dispensary openings ahead of the 4/20 holiday.

“We opened more dispensaries between March and April than ever before,” said John Kagia, OCM policy director.

Despite record sales, competition is intensifying. The average store revenue has declined slightly as more stores open. Retail prices have also fallen modestly, with flower and edible prices dropping around 5–15% over the past year.

“This is a normal sign of a maturing market,” Kagia said.

Trade Practices Bureau Steps Up Enforcement

James Rogers, head of the new Trade Practices Bureau, outlined enforcement actions against “white labeling” violations, pay-to-play schemes, and market monopolization.

“If licensed businesses engage in inversion or lose control to non-equity investors, they will lose their licenses,” Rogers said.

Social and Economic Equity (SEE) Program Progress

Program Specialist Tahira Cook reported that 63% of adult-use licenses are SEE-owned. This exceeds the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act’s 50% target. SEE licensees include 53% minority-owned, 69% women-owned, 20% community disproportionately impacted, 2% veteran-owned, and 2% distressed farmer-owned businesses.

More than 500 licensees qualified for multiple SEE categories, highlighting the diversity of New York’s cannabis entrepreneurs.

Public Health and Education Campaigns

Public Health Director Lila Hunt announced the launch of two major initiatives:

• Responsible Workforce Training Program: Mandatory training for all licensed cannabis employees.
• Higher Education Campaign: A statewide media campaign promoting cannabis safety and public health literacy.

Community Reinvestment Fund Update

OCM’s Director of Community Reinvestment Matthew Wilson reported that the first round of community grants—funded by cannabis tax revenue—will be awarded this summer following review of 451 applications. A second grant application cycle is expected in fall 2025.

Public Comments Call for Equity and Clarity

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several applicants voiced concerns about delayed processing of December Queue applications. Chair Wright assured attendees that OCM is working to address the backlog and would provide updated processing timelines soon.

Looking Ahead

The next Cannabis Control Board meeting is in May. Stakeholders can submit comments on proposed regulations during the ongoing 45-day public comment period. More updates will come on licensing, enforcement actions, grant funding, and market performance as New York’s cannabis industry continues to grow.