A bill authorizing cannabis showcase events in New York has passed the Assembly Ways and Means Committee with a vote of 24 to 10.
Assembly Bill 418, introduced by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D), will now head to the full Assembly for consideration. The measure is mirrored by Senate Bill 818, introduced by Senator Michelle Hinchey (D), which contains identical language and recently advanced through the Senate Rules Committee, signaling bipartisan interest in establishing a framework for cannabis showcase events.
If passed into law, the legislation would allow licensed cannabis retailers and cultivators to collaborate in hosting showcase events, including “pop-up” events at venues such as farmers’ markets and other temporary locations. These events, as defined in the bill, would permit the display, sale, and promotion of cannabis products, provided participants obtain a cannabis showcase event permit issued by the state.
The bill mandates that each event must feature at least one licensed New York cannabis cultivator and a licensed processor. Participants would be limited to showcasing products from approved licensees, with strict prohibitions on the sale of unlicensed cannabis.
Supporters argue that the legislation would provide small businesses in the marijuana industry with opportunities to reach new customers while fostering consumer education. Showcase events would also include branded merchandise and educational materials about cannabis products, further enhancing public awareness.
Assemblymember Lupardo emphasized that the measure would strengthen the legal cannabis market by creating clear opportunities within a well-regulated framework.