The New York State Cannabis Control Board approved 24 new adult-use licenses, processed renewals and amendments, and updated medical cannabis regulations. This marks another step forward in building a safe, equitable, and well-regulated cannabis industry.
New York’s regulated cannabis industry is steadily expanding. With businesses entering new phases of operation, these updates reflect continuous progress across the industry.
“Every Board meeting is an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of New York’s cannabis industry,” said Jessica García, Chair of the Cannabis Control Board. “Whether we’re modernizing the Medical Cannabis Program, approving new licenses, or refining regulations, our goal remains the same: to foster a market that serves patients, supports businesses, and protects consumers.”
Adult-Use License Approval
The Board approved 24 new adult-use cannabis licenses, bringing the total number of adult use licenses issued statewide to 2,296.
New approvals include:
- Adult Use Cultivator Licenses: 15
- Adult Use Processor Licenses: 6
- Adult Use Retail Dispensary Licenses: 2
- Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary Licenses: 1
“Every new license represents another entrepreneur, employer, and community contributing to New York’s regulated cannabis market,” said John Kagia, Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. “As more businesses begin operations across the state, our focus remains on creating an environment where licensees can compete fairly, operate responsibly, and build lasting businesses.”
Medical Cannabis Regulation Updates
The Cannabis Control Board voted to adopt updated Part 113 regulations governing New York’s Medical Cannabis Program following a public comment period that concluded on May 25, 2026. The regulations will take effect upon publication of a Notice of Adoption in the New York State Register, anticipated for later this month.
The updated regulations implement recent statutory changes designed to improve patient access and modernize New York’s Medical Cannabis Program. Key updates include extending patient certifications from one year to up to two years, increasing possession limits to allow patients and caregivers to possess up to a 60-day supply—or up to three ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrate, whichever is greater—and aligning additional program requirements with New York’s evolving cannabis framework.
Additionally, once the regulations become effective, qualifying out-of-state medical cannabis patients will also be able to purchase medical cannabis products from Registered Organization dispensing facilities in New York, expanding access for patients visiting the state.
Market and Social and Economic Equity Update
At the July 2 Board meeting, the Board approved 24 new adult-use licenses, 76 adult-use license renewals, 15 CAURD renewals, 36 license amendments, 2 application denials and adopted updated medical cannabis regulations.
To date, New York has issued 2,296 adult-use cannabis licenses including:
- 270 cultivators
- 247 distributors
- 327 microbusinesses
- 562 processors
- 531 retail dispensaries
- 359 Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURD)
Of all adult-use licenses statewide, 56 percent have been awarded to SEE applicants.
New York’s cannabis market has reached approximately $895.4 million in year to-date retail sales across the adult-use and medical programs through June 2026. Average daily sales have continued to climb month-over-month, reaching approximately $5.26 million in June, with sales per store remaining stable as the adult-use retail footprint expands statewide.
“Social and Economic Equity was never intended to be measured by a single licensing round—it is reflected in the continued participation and success of businesses across the marketplace,” said Simone Washington, Chief Equity Officer of the Office of Cannabis Management. “Today’s approvals demonstrate that equity remains a defining feature of New York’s regulated cannabis industry as we continue expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs statewide.”
Among the licenses approved during today’s meeting, 74 percent were awarded SEE owned businesses, including Community Disproportionately Impacted (CDI), minority-owned, and women-owned businesses, with representation across cultivation, processing, and retail. To date, there are currently 683 legal dispensaries open for business across New York State. A full list of New York’s licensed, operational adult-use cannabis retailers is available here.
Next Cannabis Control Board Meeting
The Next Cannabis Control Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Manhattan. Agenda details and livestream information will be posted in advance at: https://cannabis.ny.gov
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) oversees the State’s medical, adult-use, and cannabinoid hemp programs. Guided by its core pillars — public health and safety, social and economic equity, community reinvestment, environmental sustainability, and consumer education — the Office works to advance a regulated cannabis marketplace rooted in transparency, accountability, and opportunity. Through licensing, enforcement, education, and industry support, OCM is committed to building a fair, sustainable, and responsible cannabis industry that benefits all New Yorkers.
