BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday along with the New York State Cannabis Control Board the issuance of 109 new adult-use cannabis licenses.
“New York is building a robust and equitable legal market that is driving significant economic growth for our communities,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.
"The issuance of 109 additional adult-use licenses is just one step in developing New York’s nation-leading cannabis industry.”
The move will benefit the cannabis supply chain, encompassing microbusinesses, cultivators, processors, distributors, and retail dispensaries.
Looking at the breakdown of the license types, there were 23 cultivator licenses, 20 distributor licenses, 23 microbusiness licenses, 22 processer licenses, and dispensary licenses.
Additionally, the cannabis control board approved new resolutions to the Packaging, Labeling, Marketing, and Advertising (PLMA) regulations.
Updates include encouraging the reuse of packaging, implementing policies that help reduce single-use plastic, and ensuring requirements are feasible for licensees by allowing a phase-in period and plastic alternative exemptions for components of packaging where sustainable alternatives are not yet available in the market.
Additional updates to the marketing regulations include new allowances for outdoor signage for retail dispensaries, including the removal of the two signs per licensee limit to allow for more signage and storefront awareness; new allowances for promotions and product discounts, as well as adjusted audience composition requirements for certain cannabis advertisements to conform to the proportion of New York State’s population that is 21 and older.
“We remain dedicated to fostering a thriving and equitable cannabis market in New York by listening to our industry partners and adapting our regulations to meet their needs," New York State Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright said.
"By incorporating feedback from licensees and a diverse array of stakeholders, we are taking meaningful steps to enhance New York State’s cannabis regulatory framework and support the growth of a responsible and inclusive cannabis industry.”