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The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) convened in Buffalo for its May 2025 meeting, marking another significant step in the state’s cannabis program. The board approved over 50 adult-use licenses, advanced controversial public convenience and advantage (PCA) requests, and proposed regulations for Cannabis Showcase Events, all while addressing delays and legal hurdles affecting the December 2023 application queue.
Chair Tremaine Wright opened the session by extending thanks to mothers and caregivers in the cannabis community. She also praised the Women and Weed luncheon celebrating women leaders in the industry.
Regulatory Pause on Packaging and Advertising Rules
The board paused publishing proposed packaging, labeling, marketing, and advertising regulations it initially approved in March. They cited concerns raised by counsel over billboard advertising language. The motion to delay publication passed unanimously, with revisions expected by the June meeting.
52 New Adult-Use Licenses Approved, One Application Pulled
The board approved 52 new adult-use cannabis licenses, including one cultivator, 18 retail dispensaries, 12 microbusinesses, four distributors, and 17 processors. One license—Washington Place Dispensary—was pulled due to strong community opposition and unclear location details.
This brings New York’s total to 1,726 adult-use licenses.
Executive Deputy Director Patrick McKeage provided detailed updates on the license review process. Of the approximately 1,600 November queue applications, 619 have received final licenses, 203 are provisional, 441 remain under review, and 340 have been closed. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) may revisit some closed applications due to recent litigation invalidating the one-license-per-owner policy.
From the larger December queue (4,666 queued applications), 2,706 retail, 886 microbusiness, 169 cultivation, 117 processor, and 182 distribution applications remain under review. However, litigation from Organic Bloom LLC continues to block provisional retail dispensary applications without locations.
Board members expressed frustration over delays in processing non-retail licenses and the lack of guidance from the board on how many December queue applications still need review during the CCB May meeting. Wright and Executive Director Felicia Reid committed to improved transparency and planning.
CAURD License Renewals and Location Amendments
Licenses for five Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD) locations were up for renewal. These businesses had been operating since early 2023. All received approval: William Jane, Good Grades, Flores Sun, Designed by Pyramid, and Stage One Cannabis.
Additionally, the board approved 39 adult-use licensees for location changes, including both retail and supply-side operators. OCM cited landlord issues, better opportunities, and extended application timelines as common reasons for the changes.
Medical Program Expansion
Three new medical dispensary locations were approved as Registered Organizations (ROs). ROs are entities, registered with the state to acquire, possess, manufacture, sell, deliver, transport, distribute, or dispense cannabis for certified medical use. These facilities are the first from the December 2023 queue to be considered for licensure. OCM expressed optimism about increased access to medical cannabis statewide.
Board Delegates Authority on PCA Decisions
In a move to streamline decision-making, the board voted to allow Wright to finalize written decisions on PCA determinations. Board members will continue to receive copies of decisions.
PCA Decisions
The board approved two PCA requests during the CCB May meeting:
- Rural Resurgence LLC (a microbusiness in Ellicottville) was granted a PCA despite a nearby licensee due to community support, a booming tourism industry, and a letter from the mayor.
- Blaze NY LLC (in Hudson) was also granted a PCA, overturning OCM’s recommendation for denial. Despite proximity to another retailer, board members were persuaded by community support, location differences, and the area’s tourist-driven economy.
Administrative Appeal Victory for Licensee
During the CCB May meeting, the board voted to overturn an order to seal the premises of C7AWSM LLC due to incorrect service of notice and procedural errors. The business was mistakenly cited under the wrong name and address.
Cannabis Showcase Event Regulations Proposed
The board introduced proposed regulations for Cannabis Showcase Events, modeled on 2023’s successful Cannabis Grower Showcases. These events allow retailers, in partnership with at least one cultivator and one processor, to sell cannabis at pop-up and farmers market locations for up to 14 days.
Microbusinesses may participate as cultivators or processors but cannot serve as the permittee. No on-site consumption will be allowed, and all participants must report sales data to OCM. Public comments on the proposed regulations will be accepted during the standard 45-day window.
Market Report: Sales Hit $1.6 Billion, 420 Sees Record Week
OCM Policy Director John Kagia reported that New York’s adult-use market has surpassed $1.6 billion in total sales. April alone brought in $116 million, and the week of 4/20 topped $31 million—despite falling on Easter Sunday. Beverage and pre-roll sales spiked during the holiday.
However, as more stores open, average revenue per retailer is declining—a 37% drop since September 2024. Retailers in high-population areas like Manhattan and Long Island continue to lead, but regions like the Bronx saw the highest year-over-year sales growth.
Social Equity and Compliance Updates
OCM reported that social equity applicants held 68% of adult-use licenses approved in May. CAURD grant disbursements continue, with 104 of 223 applications approved to date.
OCM also reminded licensees that Biotrack integration and real-time inventory tracking will be mandatory beginning June 15, with full integration deadlines staggered through October.
Next Steps
OCM announced statewide listening sessions on cannabis education for youth and families, as well as a new public health resource library. The agency also launched an interactive “Buy Legal” map to help consumers locate licensed dispensaries during the CCB May meeting.
The board expect its next meeting in June to have updates on litigation impacts, licensing strategy, and regulatory finalizations.
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