Senator Michelle Hinchey (D) introduced new legislation today that would expand flexibility for licensed marijuana microbusinesses in New York.
The proposal, Senate Bill 8189, would give licensed microbusinesses the ability to convert their license type to an adult-use cannabis cultivation license, with approval from the Office of Cannabis Management. Those choosing to convert would be required to relinquish any interest in property used for adult-use retail sales, unless they can demonstrate the property will not be used for retail purposes.
Additionally, the bill directs the Office of Cannabis Management to establish rules allowing microbusinesses to sell marijuana directly to consumers without needing to open a retail storefront. This provision is contingent on receiving office approval to conduct sales from a non-storefront location.
If passed into law, the legislation would provide more pathways for smaller cannabis operators to succeed in New York’s regulated marijuana market by broadening license flexibility and reducing costly entry barriers like storefront acquisition.
The bill, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, would take effect immediately upon enactment.
