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The New York State Cannabis Control Board convened for its March 2025 meeting on Tuesday, March 25, approving more than 100 new adult-use cannabis licenses. Additionally, the board advanced several critical regulatory updates aimed at expanding access, ensuring safety, and supporting equity in the state’s emerging cannabis market.
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.
“Spring has arrived—the season of renewal and progress—and our industry is growing,” Wright said in her opening remarks. “As of today, we have 330 adult-use dispensaries open across this state.”
Over 100 New Licenses Approved
The board approved Resolution 2025-14, which authorized 101 new adult-use cannabis licenses. This includes 29 retail dispensaries, 14 microbusinesses, 14 distributors, 42 processors, and two cultivators. The applications were selected from the October to December 2023 licensing window.
This approval brings the total number of adult-use licenses issued in New York to over 1,600. Patrick McKeage, executive deputy director at the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), noted that review of the November 2023 application queue is nearing completion.
“There are approximately 50 applications left in submitted status,” he said, urging applicants to complete their fingerprinting and True Party of Interest disclosures to expedite processing.
Market Outlook and Community Engagement
OCM reported $220 million in cannabis sales for the first two months of 2025, outpacing early 2024 figures. “March is on pace to be our strongest month yet,” OCM Policy Director John Kagia said.
The board also addressed public convenience and advantage (PCA) requests for new licenses in underserved areas. Applicants submit PCA requests to a government agency when they want to provide a public good or service. In this instance, many applicants have submitted PCA requests for exemptions from specific regulatory provisions, particularly those governing the proximity between licensed cannabis dispensaries. Members stressed the importance of receiving updated input from local governments before approving these requests.
Cultivation Licenses Face a Slowdown
In a notable policy shift, OCM Executive Director Felicia Reid recommended slowing the pace of cultivation license approvals pending the results of the 2025 growing season.
“We are at risk of oversupply,” Reid said, referencing a 2022 surplus. The surplus caused product degradation and diversion to unregulated markets.
Currently, the state has licensed 195 cultivators and 229 microbusinesses with cultivation capacity. This totals up to 6.5 million square feet of canopy space. OCM hopes this year’s harvest, dubbed “Croptober 2025,” will better align supply with in-state demand, especially with 330 stores open and more to come.
Licenses and Renewals
The board also approved its first renewal of Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses. The CAURD program, which prioritizes justice-involved individuals, allows licensees to transition to full licenses after a four-year conditional period.
All three dispensaries up for renewal operate in New York City and were among the first to open in the state’s legal market.
Resolution 2025-18 saw the re-approval of 15 cannabis testing laboratories, with one lab opting not to renew its permit. OCM said this number is currently sufficient to support both the adult-use and medical markets.
The Board also approved its sixth research license. Current research includes cannabis genetics, growing techniques, and lab potency standardization.
Registered Medical Cannabis Organization Approved
With Resolution 2025-17, the board approved the final application from the December 2023 window for a Registered Organization (RO) to operate in New York’s medical cannabis program. The new RO will establish two facilities in the Buffalo area, where recent closures have limited medical access.
Proximity and Packaging Policy Updates
The Board clarified its policy regarding license proximity to schools and houses of worship. Moving forward, the board will base distance requirements on the location submission date, not the date of license application.
Another key update came to regulations governing packaging, labeling, marketing, and advertising. The revisions would remove bans on discount promotions, price-based advertising, loyalty programs, and outdoor signage—bringing cannabis closer in line with alcohol marketing standards.
OCM’s John Kagia emphasized that public health safeguards remain intact. “This is about creating a level playing field so that legal businesses can compete with unlicensed operators,” Kagia said.
Now, the proposed changes will enter a 45-day public comment period.
Public Comments Call for Equity and Clarity
During the public comment portion of the meeting, speakers voiced concerns about delayed application reviews, particularly for December 2023 cultivation applicants. Several highlighted financial hardship from holding leases while awaiting a decision.
Others, including certain microbusinesses with dispensaries, urged the board to extend grant eligibility beyond CAURD licensees. They also requested flexibility for product testing, refrigeration, and multi-serving products.
Chair Wright acknowledged these concerns and also reaffirmed the board’s commitment to equity.
“We want to make sure our businesses are supported and empowered to succeed,” she said.
Looking Ahead
The next Cannabis Control Board meeting is expected in April. Stakeholders can submit comments on proposed regulations during the upcoming 45-day window. More updates are anticipated on research licensing, enforcement actions, grant funding, and market performance as New York’s cannabis industry continues to grow.
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