New York Approves 38 New Adult-Use Cannabis Licenses

The New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB) last week approved 38 new
adult-use cannabis business licenses during its December meeting.

Officials approved the following new adult-use cannabis operations:

- Cultivation: 2 licenses
- Distribution: 4 licenses
- Microbusiness: 5 licenses
- Processing: 13 licenses
- Retail: 10 licenses

The board also approved four new Conditional Adult-use Retail Dispensary
final licenses.

Nearly half of the new licenses (44%) were issued to Social and Economic
Equity applicants, the state said.

Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) Susan
Filburn said the agency’s “commitment to supporting this emerging industry”
includes “protecting public health and safety, advancing an equity driven
legal market, and supporting a stable industry that contributes to New
York’s economy.”

Officials also announced expanded support for the state’s new Metrc-based
seed-to-sale tracking system, extending the deadline for retailers to enter
current inventory into the system until January 12, 2026.

“Our focus remains on steady progress and responsible regulation. This
month’s approvals reflect the Board’s commitment to equity, compliance, and
long-term market stability. Each decision we make is guided by the
responsibility to protect consumers, support licensees, and serve
communities across New York State.” — Jessica García, CCB Chair, in a press
release

Last week’s meeting marked the board’s first assembly since the resignation
of the previous OCM Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid, who
resigned at the governor’s request following a flubbed compliance
investigation.