The Empire State has the third-highest number of cannabis consumers of any US state, and regulators have now shown they are serious about creating opportunity for starts-ups and limiting the market power of incumbent multi-state operators. Whether looking to enter the New York market or investing in companies that do, you need to hear the details on what will be allowed and what will not in adult-use New York.

New York Cannabis Market: Regulations Released and Licenses Awarded

The first batch of retail cannabis licenses were blocked from being issued in five regions in New York. A New York federal judge ordered the block pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by a Michigan cannabis operator which claimed New York’s licensing selection process violates federal interstate commerce protections. The judge, Gary Sharpe issued the injunctions for the following regions:

This past Friday 10/28, the OCM quietly released its Guidance for Adult-Use Dispensaries (“Guidance”), which is a summary of the pending regulations for CAURD applicants and other adult use dispensary applicants. It is important that all CAURD applicants familiarize themselves with the information provided in the Guidance.