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Navigating Licensing, Taxes, and Legalization 

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient roundup of the biggest cannabis news stories and hemp headlines emerging across the Northeast. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter (now X) to get the most recent edition when it’s published.

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of our regional cannabis news update. In this month’s edition, we’re covering the latest updates shaping the northeast cannabis landscape, from New York’s progress in adult-use licensing to efforts in New Jersey to legalize home cultivation. Read on for more detail about what’s happening in the cannabis industry across the region.

New York State Cannabis Control Board approves 101 new adult-use licenses 

On April 12, the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) approved 101 new adult-use licenses, bringing the total number of licenses granted in 2024 to 403. 

The breakdown of the 101 licenses approved includes the following types:

  • Adult-Use Cultivator License: 25
  • Adult-Use Distributor License: 11
  • Adult-Use Microbusiness License: 22
  • Adult-Use Processor License: 8
  • Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: 25
  • Provisional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: 10

“With the Cannabis Control Board’s issuance of 101 adult-use cannabis licenses, New York’s legal cannabis industry continues to make significant progress with over 400 licenses issued in 2024,” said Governor Hochul. “Strengthening New York’s equitable cannabis industry and ensuring the hard-working small business owners operating in the legal market have the licenses to open are the best ways to protect the integrity of sales in New York.”

The CCB also passed a resolution empowering the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to issue provisional adult-use licenses to streamline the licensing process and promote industry growth. This update will allow provisional licenses to be awarded outside regularly scheduled board meetings. 

New Jersey lawmakers and activists push for home grow legalization 

New Jersey cannabis advocates and lawmakers are applying pressure to legalize home-grown cultivation of cannabis as neighboring states continue to move forward with similar measures. 

Currently, only individuals holding cultivator licenses are permitted to grow cannabis under state law. Individuals, including medical cannabis patients, cannot grow their own plants for personal use in New Jersey. Growing your own cannabis remains a third-degree felony. By contrast, in New York, patients and their caregivers are allowed to grow a limited amount of plants.

Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D) has been a prominent figure in expressing reservations about a home-grow program, citing concerns that it could hinder the growth of the legal cannabis industry and inadvertently bolster the underground market. 

Critics, however, including Chris Goldstein from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), argue that such hesitancy is misplaced. This highlights the frustration among small business owners, consumers, and patients. Goldstein and other advocates have taken to protesting in front of the New Jersey State House in Trenton to challenge the state and Scutari’s stance. 

“The small business owners I talk to, the consumers, the patients, they say he’s off base,” said Goldstein. “And again, the delay has been really terrible for New Jersey.”

Study finds cannabis could bring $41 million in tax revenue to Pennsylvania in its first year

A study conducted by Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) found the state could eventually generate $271 million in annual tax revenue through legalization of cannabis as proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro. The estimate takes into account a 20% excise tax on wholesale cannabis alongside revenue from state sales tax. In the inaugural year of legalization, Pennsylvania could expect to see approximately $41 million in tax revenue, the report reads.

The IFO analysis highlights the fact that neighboring states have already enacted legalization measures, potentially limiting Pennsylvania’s revenue as customers seek products across state lines. 

“Currently, all border states except West Virginia have legalized and imposed tax on adult recreational use cannabis. These taxes were enacted recently in Ohio (2023), Maryland (2023), New York (2021), and New Jersey (2020),” reads the report. “Because nearly all border states already tax recreational cannabis, the estimate is not increased for cross border sales that may have occurred in other states that were first to tax recreational marijuana in a region.”

Still, the report suggests that legalization could be a boon for Pennsylvania’s public coffers, adding momentum to the growing cannabis legalization movement in the state’s capital.

Forge cannabis connections at CWCBExpo 

For those seeking to stay informed, network with industry leaders, and continue exploring the latest innovations, there’s no better place than CWCBExpo. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding startup, or simply curious about the industry, we offer a platform to connect, learn, and grow. Register for CWCBExpo today to dive deeper into the world of cannabis and shape the future in the Northeast and beyond. 

Spring Cannabis News from Across the Nation

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient roundup of the biggest cannabis news stories and hemp headlines emerging across the nation. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter (now X) to get the most recent edition when it’s published. 

As spring blooms and 4/20 celebrations have come to a close, the national cannabis industry is on a high right now (pardon the pun). It’s already been a busy season in cannabis, including record-breaking sales and significant legislative developments. Join us as we recap recent headlines and explore what’s going on in the cannabis industry across the nation.

Congressional lawmakers continue demands for rescheduling

A bipartisan group of 21 congressional lawmakers is applying pressure to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), urging swift action to reclassify cannabis from its restrictive Schedule 1 status. 

Led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), along with Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Barbara Lee (D-CA), the coalition penned a letter to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram and Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighting the urgent need for rescheduling. Noting the eight-month lapse since the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommended this shift, lawmakers emphasized the imperative need for the DEA to act promptly. 

“Though marijuana is widely used and… associated with fewer adverse outcomes than alcohol, it remains in the most restrictive schedule,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter. “This placement produces a cascade of severe penalties for marijuana users and businesses, including for criminal records, immigration statuses, employment, taxation, health care, public housing, social services, and more.”

Cannabis tech firms report strong cannabis sales on 4/20 

Jane Technologies, a cannabis tech firm specializing in e-commerce and point-of-sail solutions, released a report highlighting strong cannabis sales during the 4/20 holiday. Jane’s network spans more than 2,500 dispensaries and brands across 39 U.S. states and Canada, offering a substantial perspective of activity within the industry on its flagship holiday.

The total number of transactions at Jane-powered locations reached 245,926 on 4/20, marking a notable 1.67% increase from the previous year’s figures. Total transactions for the entire holiday weekend surpassed 500,000, according to a statement released by the company. Jane Technologies also reported record-breaking sales figures in many states, most notably in Illinois, where sales at retailers in the Jane Technologies network soared to almost $4.5 million. 

“We saw record-breaking sales across the country this 4/20,” Soc Rosenfeld, Jane Technologies CEO and co-founder, said in a statement. “At Jane, it was an extremely successful day with well over half a million transactions completed on the platform this holiday weekend.”

According to the report, top-performing brands included Rythm, &Shine, STIIIZY, Savvy, and Float. Flower emerged as the most popular product type, followed closely by vapes and edibles. 

Cannabis POS platform Treez, which operates in 11 states and serves over 600 dispensaries, reported similarly booming sales data. According to data from Treez, there was a 120% increase in customers, products sold, and gross sales compared to 4/20 in 2023. 

However, according to Treez, the biggest spike in sales came the day prior as consumers sought to stock up ahead of the holiday. On April 19, Treez reported a 200% increase over last year’s numbers. That suggests that the day before 4/20 provides an even bigger bump for retailers, as many consumers prefer to refresh their stash ahead of the holiday festivities. 

Schumer pushes to pass cannabis banking bills in ‘bipartisan way’ 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is once again championing a bipartisan effort to advance the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act among a list of legislative priorities for the year. Speaking at a press briefing on April 23, Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing various legislative matters. In addition to the SAFER Banking Act, he underscored the importance of addressing issues like insulin pricing, online child safety, and railway safety. 

“We’ve got a lot to do,” Schumer said. “And if we can work in a bipartisan way, we will.”

Schumer has repeatedly pushed to move the SAFER Banking Act, which previously cleared the Senate Banking Committee last September before dying without a floor vote. However, the Senate recently approved long-awaited and contentious appropriations legislation that may have cleared the way to focus on new legislative items like cannabis reform.

CWCBExpo is your gateway to the cannabis industry

The cannabis industry continues to rack up wins, from a record-breaking 4/20 to continued momentum on Capitol Hill. As the industry grows, CWCBExpo offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and stay updated on the latest news and trends shaping the cannabis industry. Register for our show and business exposition June 5 and 6 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, and stay up to date on the latest changes and updates in the industry with our monthly news updates. 

Vice President Kamala Harris Making Statement

NY Mayor Eric Adams Fights For Legal Cannabis Industry

Mayor Adams Fights For Legal Cannabis Industry

Celebrates Opening Of First Black Woman-Owned Legal Dispensary in Brooklyn
Recommits To Closing Down Illegal Smoke Shops

Congratulations to Leeann Mata who is the proud Founder and owner of Matawana, the first Black woman-owned dispensary in Brooklyn, New York. The opening was attended by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Dasheeda Dawson, Founding Director of Cannabis NYC and other officials and New York State Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar. The Mayor took the opportunity to assert that he is committed to cracking down on illegal shops.

Click here to view the momentous event and joyful opening, and learn more about the Mayor’s commitment to shutting down illicit shops.

Matawana Dispensary opening, March 2024
Matawana Dispensary opening, March 2024, (from the left), Dasheeda Dawson, Leeann Mata, Eric Adams, and Jenifer Rajkumar
New York State News

More on Crackdowns Across NYS From Governor Hochul

“…these Illicit vendors flagrantly violate our laws by selling to kids, evading our taxes, and engaging in fraudulent advertising about their products…”
– NYS Governor, Kathy Hochul

We have been reporting in several of our CWCBExpo Newsletters that Goveror Hochul is also committed to shutting down illegal shops. Her approach seems to be garnering support from legal dispensary owners who welcome her plan. Learn more from this WKBWTV news report where NYS dispensary owners praise the Governor and are hopeful that the actions will offer growth for their legal dispensaries and present opportunity to put NYS on track to have a thriving cannabis industry.

Seal of Governor Kathy Hochul

Dispensary Openings

March saw many dispensary openings across New York City and State. Below are some of the many recent openings.

TreeHead Culture
ERIE | 665 North French Road, Amherst 14228
Website: www.treeheadculture.com   

The Travel Agency Downtown Brooklyn
FLATBUSH | 122 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn 11217
Website: www.thetravelagency.co 

Matawana Dispensary
PARK SLOPE | 533 5th Avenue, Brooklyn 11215
Website: www.matawanany.com

The Bakery Cannabis Dispensary
ALBANY| 1099 Loudon Road, Cohoes 12047
Website: www.518bakery.com

Raven’s Joint
ONONDAGA | 4106 NY-31 Suite 903, Clay 13041
Website: www.ravensjoint.com    

Bronx Joint
BRONX | 925 Hunts Point Avenue, Bronx 10459
Website: www.thebronxjoint.com

Polanco Brothers
MANHATTAN | 12 East 42nd Street, New York 10017
Website: www.dutchie.com/dispensary/polanco-brothers-corp 

Liberty Buds
MANHATTAN | 1115 1st Avenue, New York 10065
Website: (website coming soon)

 

The Cannabis Place
QUEENS | 74-03 Metropolitan Avenue, Queens 11379
Website: www.thecannabisplace.org

Leafy Peaks
WATERFORD | 27 B Saratoga Avenue, Waterford 12188
Website: www.leafypeaks.com

Bliss + Lex
MANHATTAN | 128 E 86th Street, New York 10028
Website: www.blissandlex.com

Mr Good Vybz
ALBANY | 25 N Pearl Street, Albany 12207
Website: www.mrgoodvybz.com

Black Canna Market Co LLC
POUGHKEEPSIE | 89 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 12601
Website: (website coming soon)

Licensing News

On March 11 the Office of cannabis Management issued the Adult-Use December Queues on the OCM website. There were five queues made from a random sequence process for each type of license for applications submitted within the application window that ended December 18, 2023. The queues represent a review order for the OCM itself and do not represent the order in which licenses will be issued. Furthermore, inclusion in a queue does not guarantee getting a license. The five queues were audited by a third party. There are queues for:

  • Cultivator
  • Processor
  • Distributor
  • Retail Dispensary
  • Microbusiness Applicants
NYS OCM Office of Cannabis Management

Also noteworthy in March, the OCM issued a listing of what they call a Proximity Protected Locations Map (PPLM). The intention with this is to provide transparency on locations of licensed cannabis dispensaries, as well as those proposed locations on applications that are still under review. Proposed locations have what is called proximity protection since the OCM reviewed the locations and have deemed them compliant regarding distancing and proximity requirements until the final determination on a application is made. The PPLM is meant to be a helpful aid to identify potential locations for a cannabis dispensary.

There are many more things to know about these five Adult-Use queues that the OCM posted.
You can learn more here.

New Jersey News

“These are early signs of the potential of this market. Sales have grown steadily since Governor Murphy began the work to reform New Jersey’s cannabis market.  If we consider medicinal cannabis sales from 2018 to 2021 – before recreational sales began – cannabis sales totals exceed $2 billion over the six-year span.”

– Jeff Brown, Executive Director at the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission

NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission

In our February Newsletter, we highlighted the positive reports that the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission gave about the number of opened dispensaries and the revenue to date for medical and recreational sales. The news just keeps getting better.

The combined revenue for medical cannabis sales and recreational sales since recreational went into effect April 2022 is already over $1.3B to date. The expectation is that in 2024, medical and recreational sales could see over $1B in combined sales.

New Jersey Consumption Lounges

We reported previously in recent Newsletters that New Jersey consumption lounges are coming soon.

 

Consumption Lounge, men smoking and relaxing
Virginia News

Governor Glenn Youngkin Does Not Want to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

The suspense is over. Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed the piece of legislation that was passed in late February by both the Virginia state General Assembly and the state Senate to launch a Virginia Adult-Use cannabis industry. The Adult-Use Cannabis Sales bill would have taken effect in May 2025 and sought to build a legalized commercial adult-use market in Virginia. Youngkin made some strong statements about the legislation that he vetoed.

In addition, Youngkin’s veto power did not stop at just one cannabis bill. He also vetoed a bill that would have allowed individuals who were incarcerated for certain marijuana offenses to receive automatic re-sentencing hearings and have their punishments adjusted. No dice.

Lastly, it seems that Youngkin’s views are simply not in step with the majority of Virginians and their views on cannabis and legalization as suggested by a poll released earlier this month by the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research at Roanoke College.

Cardinal News
Hawaii News

Expungement Bills

Hawaii has advanced several cannabis legislation bills that seek to expunge tens of thousands of cannabis convictions. The proposals spelled out some legislation to create an adult-use market in Hawaii.

Federal News

Descheduling vs. Rescheduling

The industry has been abuzz for weeks with the prospect of rescheduling and with even louder calls for descheduling. Several important things that deserve highlighting include:

  • President Biden’s comments made during his State of the Union Address in February where he asserted his support for cannabis reform.

     

  • Vice President Kamala Harris’s meeting this month in March, where she met with several industry influencers, stakeholders, and some who received pardons for cannabis offenses. Included in the notable attendees were hip hop artist and rapper Fat Joe, and Chris Goldstein, Regional Coordinator for NORML. Harris made comments that were bold and welcomed by those in the room and gives a positive prospect for real action by the Federal Government.

“…we need to legalize marijuana…”

– Vice President Kamala Harris, at her roundtable meeting on March 15th at the Whitehouse.

Vice President Kamala Harris Making Statement
Reality TV

Read Upcoming 420 High Hopes Series From Hulu

Hulu is debuting an unscripted reality series about a dispensary, based in Hollywood, CA. The series is called High Hopes and is produced by Jimmy Kimmel’s production company.

GreenState
CWCBExpo’s Advisory Counsel

Welcome CWCBExpo Advisory Council

Please join the CWCBExpo team in welcoming, honoring and thanking our Advisory Council Members. Each one is accomplished in the industry and has made an impact to so many, and they continue to do so. We appreciate their advisement and we look forward to working with each of them at all of our upcoming CWCBExpo events.

CWCBExpo Advisory Council

THIS MONTH’S ARCHIVED VIDEO

“Financial Challenges in a Federally Illegal Industry”

In this session, the panelists discuss the banking and financing challenges facing the industry, and give their advice on how retailers and brands can survive and advance to the next level.

Moderated by Steve Gelsi, MarketWatch; Michael Harlow, Partner, CohnReznick; Neil Kaufman, Partner, Managing Member, Kaufman McGowan PLCC; David Feldman, Co-founder, CEO, Skip Intro Advisors; Ryan Himmel, VP, Head of Strategic Partnerships, LeafLink

Financial Challenges in a Federally Illegal Industry, Seminar Session, CWCBExpo, June 2024

(pictured from the left) Neil Kaufman, Ryan Himmel, Michael Harlow, David Feldman and Steve Gelsi.

The CWCBExpo BLOG: Timely News & In Depth Articles

CWCBExpo blogs contain relevant, timely information. Recent subjects include cannabis lounges, NY licensing review and tech tools shaping the industry.

Cannabis Retail Shop
Meet This Media Partner: Leafwire

“We built Leafwire to provide a safe, welcoming platform for the cannabis business community. We saw a need in the industry to provide a platform where the cannabis industry could share news, promote events, find business partners, find employees, look for investors and just simply network. We’re 100% devoted to the cannabis and hemp industries.

“The Cannabis industry is unique in that we are currently an industry of start ups. Due to federal regulations and other issues, larger corporations are largely kept on the sidelines until we clear those hurdles. This creates an opportunity that we have not seen for decades within the business landscape. The path forward for this industry is through the start up community, leveling the field for new entrants. As a result, we have a chance to build something from the ground up that is designed to not only help people, but the environment and the world.”

Get Your Exhibit Space Today.

CWCBExpo, 11th Annual

June 5 – 6, 2024
Javits Convention Center, NYC

Licensing Review in NY, Legal Battles in Hemp, and More

Each month, Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition (CWCBExpo) offers a convenient roundup of the biggest cannabis news stories and hemp headlines emerging across the Northeast. Get these updates in your inbox by subscribing to our email newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter (now X) to get the most recent edition when it’s published.

March held some big headlines for the Northeast’s cannabis industry, including Pennsylvania lawmakers reigniting legalization discussions and New Jersey’s milestone achievement of surpassing 100 operational cannabis dispensaries. Here are the details you need to know about some of the latest advancements shaping the landscape across the East Coast. 

Hochul orders ‘top-down’ review of New York cannabis licensing process

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) has officially ordered a comprehensive “top-down” review of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) licensing process. Hochul announced the review while recognizing the shortcomings and challenges the existing framework posed following cannabis legalization. The governor enlisted the expertise of Jeanette Moy, the commissioner for the Office of General Services, to overhaul the process and streamline operations. 

According to a press release from the governor’s office, the internal audit will last at least 30 days and include:

  • Top-down review of organizational structure, processes, and systems with a focus on improving OCM license processing times and application-to-opening timeframes for new cannabis retailers and businesses.

  • Development of key performance metrics and an executive-level licensing dashboard to provide the Executive Chamber with a timely, accurate, and comprehensive picture of licensing activity for legal retailers.

  • Identification and implementation of changes to policy, procedure, and regulation (within the bounds of the MRTA) to streamline the licensing process and simplify application and review for prospective licensees.

  • Development of three-month and six-month action plans with organizational change initiatives, milestones, and actions to continue improving agency functions while developing a world-class licensing and regulatory agency for the state’s cannabis industry.

After the 30-day assessment, Moy and her team will consider a prolonged examination of the OCM and its practices.

New York hemp companies sue to overturn new state rules

The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) passed stringent regulations in November 2023, which imposed a mandatory 15-to-1 ratio of CBD to THC in hemp-based products and limited potency to  mg THC per serving or 5mg THC per package.

These rules made an estimated 75% of already available hemp goods suddenly illegal and sparked outrage among state-licensed companies. On March 1, a lawsuit was filed in federal court as a result. 

The lawsuit, brought by 10 hemp companies, alleges the enforcement of these regulations, coupled with aggressive raids targeting the illicit market, has caused significant financial losses for hemp businesses and infringed upon their constitutional rights. According to the lawsuit, the change “drastically limits the products available for market” and will push New York consumers “into the illicit market and underground market.” 

“We will not standby and allow the State to violate Plaintiffs’ constitutional rights, engage in warrantless searches and seizures, and maliciously disrupt their businesses in a misguided effort to shut down unlicensed cannabis stores, which have nothing to do with hemp businesses operating in full compliance with both state and federal law,” Joshua Bauchner, chair of the Cannabis, Hemp and Psychedelics Practice Group at New Jersey-based law firm Mandelbaum Barrett said.

New Jersey surpasses 100 cannabis stores, sales top $2 billion in last six years

New Jersey has achieved a notable milestone in its cannabis industry, officially surpassing 100 cannabis stores. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s (NJCRC) website confirms the presence of 102 medical and adult-use retail locations statewide. In addition, the group shared that the state’s total cannabis sales over the last six years have exceeded $2 billion. 

“These are early signs of the potential of this market. Sales have grown steadily since Governor Murphy began the work to reform New Jersey’s cannabis market,” said NJCRC Executive Director Jeff Brown in a statement.

Pennsylvania joint committee takes up cannabis legalization as governor renews push for reform

Pennsylvania lawmakers are once again pushing for cannabis legalization, with a recent focus on Prohibition’s criminal justice implications and the potential benefits of reform. Members of the Subcommittee on Health Care and the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Correction convened for a hearing explicitly addressing these issues. 

During the hearing, Representative Dan Frankel, chair of the Health Committee and a previous sponsor of cannabis legalization legislation, expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to advance cannabis reform. “I think we are really well-positioned to move forward with legislation,” said Frankel. 

Rep. Rick Krajewski (D) stressed criminal justice and record expungement as one area lawmakers “really need to get right, and get right on the first time, given what we know about the criminalization of cannabis and the ways it has impacted Black and brown communities, working class communities and the ways in which that record still carries a burden.”

Responsible PA has also formed a coalition focused on calling for the legalization of adult-use cannabis, saying they intend to inform lawmakers as they continue to explore the issue. The coalition brings together patient advocates, doctors, scientists, researchers, laboratories, economic development groups, members of law enforcement, local elected officials, labor, and civil and social equity community organizations from across the state. 

“Pennsylvania has the opportunity to build from the success of its medical cannabis program while ensuring full market access for regulated products,” said Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene (R). “Just as we do with medical cannabis, we can properly regulate adult-use marijuana with stringent health and safety standards backed by regulatory oversight.”

Exploring East Coast cannabis with CWCBExpo 

From legislative debates to market milestones, the East Coast is shaping the future of cannabis. The upcoming CWCBExpo on June 5 and 6 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City promises to be a key event for professionals like yourself, offering networking opportunities and insights. Let’s stay informed, engaged, and proactive in driving positive change and innovation within the industry. 

Union Square Travel Agency Ribbon Cutting, Feb 13 2023

8 Licensed Dispensaries in Manhattan to Visit During CWCBExpo

What makes CWCBExpo different in 2023 than prior years? This year is the first one where adult-use dispensaries are open in Manhattan! This means conference attendees can further explore the city’s cannabis scene by making a stop at a Manhattan cannabis dispensary.

4 adult-use dispensaries to visit in Manhattan

All adults 21 and over can shop at adult-use dispensaries. As of May 2023, the below four shops are open and accepting customers in Manhattan.

1.    Union Square Travel Agency

Union Square Travel Agency is a cannabis dispensary that opened under a license held by a subsidiary of The Doe Fund, a non-profit organization that offers support to homeless and formerly incarcerated men in New York City. Union Square Travel Agency is Manhattan’s third adult-use dispensary, located one block from Union Square Park. The dispensary carries a wide range of New York-born and bred brands, with new products coming in each week.

How to get to Union Square Travel Agency from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Grand Central/42nd Street, then transfer to the 5 train downtown on the green line to 14th Street/Union Square.

2.    Housing Works Cannabis Co.

The Housing Works Cannabis Co., the first adult-use dispensary to open in New York City, is located in the NoHo neighborhood. The dispensary offers a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, and accessories. Proceeds from Housing Works Cannabis Co. support Housing Works, a NYC non-profit dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, and other resources for people living with HIV/AIDS.

How to get to Housing Works Cannabis Co. from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Times Square/42nd Street, then transfer to the R/W train downtown and take that to the 8 Street Station.

3.    Smacked Village

Smacked Village is New York’s first Black-owned cannabis dispensary. Located in Soho, Smacked Village is owned and operated by Roland Conner, who was previously convicted of cannabis charges due to Prohibition. The store offers a variety of products, including flower, edibles, and vape products, and aims to build a welcoming environment for all.

How to get to Smacked Village from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Grand Central/42nd Street, then transfer to the 6 train downtown to Bleecker Street.

4.    Gotham

Opened in May 2023, Gotham is located downtown on the Bowery. Intended for a more bespoke experience, the dispensary is geared toward carrying higher-end products from luxury brands in the space. Gotham partners with the not-for-profit STRIVE, which helps communities with employment training and support.

How to get to Gotham from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Grand Central/42nd Street, then transfer to the 6 train downtown to Bleecker Street. Walk approximately 5 minutes to 3 East 3rd Street.

4 medical cannabis dispensaries to check out in Manhattan

If you have a New York State medical cannabis card, you can purchase your medicine at one of the four medical cannabis dispensaries in Manhattan. All of these locations are easily accessible by train. Keep in mind, though, that those without a New York State patient ID cannot buy medical cannabis in the stores.

1.    Etain Health

Etain Health is a woman-founded and family-run medical cannabis company from New York City. The brand has a few dispensary locations, with one operating in Midtown East. Etain offers medical cannabis products to patients, including flower, capsules, extracts, and lotions, among other options.

The company is committed to advancing social justice issues in the cannabis industry by supporting initiatives that address racial and gender disparities in cannabis. They have a vast selection dedicated to women in this industry, including Potli, Sackville & Co., Chime and Chill, Barbari, and more.

How to get to Etain Health from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Grand Central/42nd Street, then transfer to the 4 train uptown to 59th street. Walk approximately 3 blocks.

2.    MedMen

Less than 2 miles from the Javits Center, MedMen’s New York City location resides among one of the poshest shopping districts in America. MedMen is a strictly medical dispensary. However, non-patients are permitted to enter the store and browse their merchandise.

How to get to MedMen from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to 5th Avenue. Walk south approximately 3 blocks.

3.    RISE Dispensary NYC

Located at 2 E. 30th St, RISE Dispensary offers medical cannabis for pickup and in-store shopping. RISE operates dispensaries in 14 states, including in the Empire State. The Manhattan location offers a variety of in-house brands spanning a full spectrum of products, including edibles and vapes. The dispensary provides something for just about everyone and strives to create a unique, comfortable environment and mood for patients.

How to get to RISE Dispensary from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Grand Central/42nd Street. Transfer to the 6 train and take it downtown to 33rd Street. Walk approximately 3 blocks. Alternatively, you can take the M34/Select Bus Service (SBS) from Hudson Yards to the Empire State Building, and walk approximately 4 blocks south.

4.    Columbia Care

Columbia Care is one of the original multi state medical cannabis operators. The Manhattan location, at 212 East 14th St., is known for providing a wide variety of high-quality products and consistently expanding its offerings to fit every lifestyle. Columbia Care strives to create an approachable, straightforward shopping experience for cannabis patients of all kinds.

How to get to Columbia Care from the Javits Center: Take the 7 train from 34th Street-Hudson Yards to Grand Central/42nd Street. Transfer to the 5 train and take it downtown to 14th Street/Union Square. Walk approximately 1 avenue to the dispensary.

What to expect when visiting a dispensary in NYC

Make sure you’re prepared before making your trip to a New York City dispensary. Here’s what you should have on hand before you plan to shop.

  • Bring a valid ID: This is required to enter all cannabis dispensaries and make a purchase, regardless of whether they are medical or adult-use. Make sure to bring your government-issued ID to prevent any issues. If you’re heading to a medical dispensary, make sure you have your New York State identification card on you.

  • Bring cash or a debit card: It’s common for dispensaries to only accept cash or debit cards. Make sure to have those methods of payment with you.

  • Check out the menu ahead of time. Many dispensaries publish their menus online, so you can review the selection and know what you want before you head into the store. Take advantage of this convenient feature.

  • Ask questions. This is a great opportunity for you to chat with dispensary associates and fellow customers about what they like best about the dispensary experience in the Big Apple.

Are there licensed adult-use dispensaries outside of Manhattan?

There are a few dispensaries outside of Manhattan, though the market has been slow to develop in part due to a court-ordered injunction that prevented cannabis regulators from issuing licenses to adult-use dispensaries in some parts of New York City. In March 2023, a federal appeals court lifted part of the injunction, clearing the way for the market to grow in the other boroughs.

A few days after parts of the injunction were lifted, Good Grades dispensary became the first licensed adult-use dispensary to open outside of Manhattan. Located in Queens at 62 East 13th St., the adult-use location is also New York State’s first woman-owned dispensary, owned by Extasy James and her cousin Michael James, Jr.

While no other adult-use dispensaries have yet opened in New York City, there are additional options for medical patients who want to explore outside of Manhattan. These dispensaries include Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Cannabist Dispensary of Brooklyn Heights, also in Brooklyn.

Will more dispensaries open in NYC?

More dispensaries are slated to open in New York City, but the program has been slow to roll out. The number of available cannabis licenses in New York is limited, with a total of 300 retail adult-use licenses available. The New York State Cannabis Control Board approved 99 more dispensary licenses in April 2023, bringing the state’s total to 165. New licenses included locations in Western New York, Central New York, Hudson Valley, and Brooklyn, marking the first to be issued in these regions after the March injunction.

In an effort to prioritize social equity and social justice in the industry, New York State is prioritizing giving dispensary licenses to non-profits and those with prior cannabis convictions. The policy is designed to provide opportunities to those who have been disproportionately impacted by The War on Drugs. More dispensaries are expected to open in the next few months, both in and outside of Manhattan.

Is there cannabis delivery in New York City?

Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license holders can offer their own delivery services. These license holders may also operate a temporary, delivery-only location for the first 12 months of their license issuance. More information about cannabis delivery can be found in this guidance from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

Get ready for an exciting week with CWCBExpo!

With the first licensed adult-use dispensary locations officially opened, visitors can explore the city’s industry firsthand. If you’re planning to visit CWCBExpo, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the best of Manhattan’s cannabis culture while you’re in town. Plan your visit now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

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