New York State Capitol Building.

A New York Assembly committee has voted 16 to 8 to advance legislation that would expand the role marijuana microbusinesses can play in the state’s cannabis showcase events.

Assembly Bill 11217, filed by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D), was approved yesterday by the Assembly Economic Development Committee and referred to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. The measure is cosponsored by Assemblymembers Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D), Albert Stirpe (D), John Zaccaro (D) and Landon Dais (D).

Under current law, businesses authorized to conduct adult-use marijuana retail sales may apply to hold cannabis showcase events in partnership with licensed cultivators and processors. These events have been used in New York to help connect licensed operators with consumers while the state continues building out its adult-use market.

The proposed legislation would make clear that a microbusiness licensed to conduct retail sales may also serve as the required processor and cultivator for a showcase event, as long as the microbusiness is also authorized to conduct processing and cultivation.

The bill would also allow a qualifying microbusiness to serve as the licensed processor or cultivator for another licensee applying to hold a showcase event, provided the microbusiness is authorized to conduct the applicable activity.

The proposal would take effect immediately if signed into law.

A Senate companion, S 10113, was filed April 30 and referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee.