At a meeting this week in Albany, the New York State Cannabis Control Commission approved the most licenses in a single meeting ever. That's 141 adult-use cannabis licenses across the cannabis supply chain, including small businesses, growers, processors, distributors and retailers. Adult retail pharmacy. The board has so far issued 1,132 licenses.
141 license includes:
Adult cultivator license: 15
Adult Sales Agent License: 16
Adult Micro Business License: 12
Adult processor license: 71
Adult Retail Pharmacy License: 27
Thirteen of the 141 are conditional growers or conditional processors in transition.
“This is an exciting moment for New York's cannabis industry, as we are seeing tremendous growth in both entrepreneurship and innovation,” said CCB Chairman Tremaine Wright. “With over 1,000 licenses issued this year alone, we are creating an environment that not only fosters business development, but also enables the emergence of a diverse range of products and services that reflect the rich tapestry of our community. ”
Changes and new appointments of board members
During this week's meeting, the Board of Directors expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Adam Perry for his three years of dedicated service as an inaugural member of the CCB. Members recognized his contributions and commitment to the Board's mission and saluted his future endeavors. The meeting also welcomed new board member Crystal Rodriguez Dabney. An attorney and diversity, equity, and inclusion leader, Crystal currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Buffalo native brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in government, higher education, and the medical field. Her passion for health equity and community impact will be an asset to the Board as we continue to support the growth and regulation of New York's cannabis industry.
Secretariat releases update on implementation of recommendations made in 2024 OGS report
OCM provided an update on the implementation of the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) license review model in accordance with recommendations from the NYS Office of General Services Spring 2024 Assessment. This new approach streamlines and centralizes the licensing process, enhances communication, and provides applicants with a clear point of contact throughout the review. The SPOC model eliminates the previous multi-team system by consolidating all license examination functions under OCM's licensing team, ensuring applicants have a dedicated examiner to guide them through the process from start to finish. will be placed. Additionally, the Office shared recent updates on OCM's staffing, which currently has more than 200 FTEs and will have nearly 245 FTEs by the end of the year.
Board approves additional registered organizations to expand patient access
The CCB has approved three new Registered Organizations (ROs) to expand access within the medical cannabis program. This decision supports Section 35(9) of the Cannabis Act, which requires serving underserved and underserved areas while promoting racial, ethnic and gender diversity. It is in line with the section. Since the application was first approved in September 2023, the Office has diligently reviewed the application to ensure regulatory compliance, including the submission of a community impact plan and an energy and environmental plan. The inclusion of these ROs will expand patient access and services, help New Yorkers get the care they need, and strengthen support networks for underserved areas of the state.
Market and Socioeconomic Equity Update: New York's Growing Cannabis Industry
New York's cannabis market continues to see strong growth, with weekly sales increasing by $10 million since May and total sales since the market's inception reaching nearly $700 million. In the third quarter alone, sales reached nearly $250 million, highlighting the accelerating pace of industry expansion.
A key driver of this success is OCM's Social and Economic Equity (SEE) program, which continues to center diversity, inclusion, and opportunity within the industry. An analysis of all retail pharmacy licenses, including newly issued adult retail pharmacy licenses today, revealed that 82% are SEE-owned businesses.
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