(Photo credit: AP Photo/Jenny Kane).

A New York bill introduced yesterday would allow certain marijuana microbusinesses to play a larger role in the state’s cannabis showcase event system.

Senate Bill 10113, filed April 30 by State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D), would provide that a microbusiness licensee authorized to conduct retail sales may serve as both a processor and cultivator for purposes of cannabis showcase event permits.

Under New York law, cannabis showcase events allow licensed businesses to sell marijuana products at temporary events, giving consumers a way to purchase from licensed operators outside of traditional retail storefronts. The new legislation would broaden how microbusinesses can participate in those events, potentially allowing them to take on roles that are currently limited or less clearly defined under existing rules.

The bill is relatively narrow, making a targeted change to the state’s marijuana law rather than overhauling the broader regulatory structure. However, the change could be meaningful for microbusinesses, which are designed to allow smaller operators to cultivate, process, distribute and sell marijuana under a more limited license type than larger vertically integrated businesses.

Senate Bill 10113 has been referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee. No vote has yet been scheduled.

New York legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with the first licensed adult-use marijuana store opening in December 2022. The state allows adults 21 and older to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to 24 grams of concentrated marijuana.