New York Cannabis Control Board Approves Another 93 Adult-Use Licenses, Bringing Total to 1,707

The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held its monthly public meeting at The City University of New York, highlighting significant strides made in the cannabis industry. 

The agenda included the approval of nearly 100 additional adult-use licenses across the marketplace, a robust market analysis from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), and the announcement of two pivotal education initiatives aimed at fostering a responsible workforce and informed cannabis community: the Responsible Workforce Training program, which provides comprehensive safety education to workers in the cannabis industry, and the Higher Education campaign, which expands access to cannabis educational materials for consumers.

“Education is the foundation of a safe, inclusive, and sustainable cannabis industry,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, OCM’s Acting Executive Director. “With the launch of these two programs—one focused on preparing our workforce and the other empowering consumers—we are making critical investments in the people at the heart of this industry. Whether you’re pursuing a career in cannabis or simply want to make informed decisions as a consumer, these initiatives will provide the tools and knowledge needed to participate responsibly and confidently in New York’s legal market.”

Adult-Use License Approvals

The CCB approved 93 new adult-use cannabis licenses, bringing the total to 1,707, including 268 CAURD licenses. Of those approved at the meeting, 63% are held by Social and Economic Equity (SEE) licensees. This progress reflects the CCB’s and OCM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, growth-driven cannabis market.

CAURD Grant Program Applications

The OCM also provided an update on the CAURD Grant Program. To date, 207 applications for the program have been received. Of those, 77 are pending approval, with final quality assurance checks underway to ensure compliance before funds can be released. This grant initiative plays a critical role in helping CAURD licensees cover essential startup and operational costs, reinforcing New York’s commitment to equitable industry growth.

“The CAURD Grant Program is a cornerstone of our mission to build an equitable cannabis industry in New York,” said Tremaine Wright, Chair of the Cannabis Control Board.  “These funds are more than just a financial support.  They represent our commitment to secure working capital for entrepreneurs who have been historically marginalized by the cannabis prohibition. The CAURD Grant Program will cover critical startup costs and empower licensees to succeed which broadly sets the foundation for a more inclusive market.”

Additionally, the Office updated the public on its Community Reinvestment Grant Program, which will provide ample funding to selected community groups across the state serving youth in various capacities. The grant process has completed its initial review, with 340 applications advancing to the next step. The Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) is expected to begin reviewing these applications starting May 1.

New York’s cannabis industry continues to thrive, with March sales reaching $139.7 million over the 5-week reporting period and bringing the year-to-date total past $375 million. The Office anticipates April will be on pace to surpass March, as total retail sales approach nearly $1.5 billion.

As access increases statewide, the average retail cost of many cannabis products has dropped by roughly 10% over the past year.

The state continues to demonstrate its commitment to Social and Economic Equity (SEE) by ensuring broad participation in the adult-use licensing process. Of the 1,707 adult-use licenses issued by the Board, 55% have been awarded to SEE applicants. This includes Community Disproportionately Impacted (CDI) applicants (18%), distressed farmers (9%), minority-owned businesses (47%), service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (7%), and women-owned businesses (57%).

There are currently 366 legal dispensaries open for business across the Empire State. A full list of New York’s licensed, operational adult-use cannabis retailers is available here.