Legislation allowing licensed marijuana microbusinesses to take on a larger role in New York’s cannabis showcase events was delivered to New York Governor Kathy Hochul on July 31.

Senate Bill 10113 would allow a microbusiness authorized to conduct retail sales, cultivation and processing to serve as the retailer, cultivator and processor required for a cannabis showcase event permit. The measure passed the Senate 47 to 13 and the Assembly 88 to 53.

Gov. Hochul has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto the bill, giving her until August 12 to make a decision. If she takes no action during that period, the measure would become law without her signature.

Under current law, a business authorized to conduct adult-use marijuana retail sales may apply to hold a showcase event but must demonstrate that it is partnering with a licensed cultivator and processor.

The legislation would clarify that a microbusiness may fill all three roles when its license authorizes it to cultivate, process and sell marijuana. It would also allow an eligible microbusiness to serve as the licensed cultivator or processor for another retailer applying to hold a showcase event.

The bill is sponsored by State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D) and cosponsored by State Senator Liz Krueger (D). The Assembly approved the Senate version after substituting it for Assembly Bill 11217, sponsored by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D).

According to the bill’s sponsor memo, the proposal is intended to clarify ambiguities surrounding microbusiness participation in showcase events. The memo says allowing microbusinesses to participate in every aspect of an event would “help small farmers compete” and create additional opportunities to sell marijuana products at approved events.

Cannabis showcase events allow licensed businesses to temporarily sell marijuana products directly to consumers at locations approved by the state Office of Cannabis Management.

The legislation would take effect immediately if signed into law.