New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) today announced that newly updated Packaging, Labeling, Marketing, and Advertising (PLMA) regulations has been published in the State Register and are now officially in effect. The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) approved these updates at the last board meeting.
The revised regulations provide significant improvements for New York’s cannabis industry, including expanded marketing flexibility, clearer signage rules, and the authorization of rewards and loyalty programs. Several packaging and labeling changes include a six-month transition period, supporting a smoother shift for licensees. These updates reflect extensive public feedback gathered by OCM over the last two years.
“This regulatory package delivers what licensees have asked for: clearer rules, more flexibility, and a more consistent framework across the supply chain.” said Jessica Garcia, Chair, New York State Cannabis Control Board. “By improving marketing options and resolving long-standing ambiguities, we are giving operators a stronger foundation to succeed — while ensuring regulations remain protective, transparent, and easy to follow.”
Key Regulatory Updates
- Authorization of rewards and loyalty programs
- Clarified rules on outdoor signage, including removal of the previous two-sign limit
- Clearer guidelines for promotions and discounts
- Updated advertising audience thresholds
- Modernized packaging and labeling standards with a six-month transition period
The regulations also clarify the definition of billboards and reaffirm that billboard advertising remains prohibited under state law- a key safeguard in New York’s public-health first approach. Understanding that licensees with billboards up currently will have to coordinate take down, licensees have until February 24, 2026, to remove billboards and any other prohibited signage until OCM takes compliance action
Effective Dates
The following provisions will take effect six months from the publication date:
- Retail packaging standards
- Exit packaging requirements
- Packaging prohibitions
- Required display panel information
- Required retail package & marketing layer elements
- Updated warning statements
All other provisions are effective immediately.
These updated regulations reinforce New York’s commitment to a safe, transparent, and well-regulated cannabis market that protects consumers and fosters the continued growth of licensed businesses.
For more information on New York’s cannabis programs and regulatory updates, visit cannabis.ny.gov.
Licensees with compliance-related questions may contact Compliance@ocm.ny.gov.
