Expanding Opportunities in the Cannabis Industry
Governor Hochul today signed legislation designed to strengthen New York’s regulated cannabis market. S.10113/A.11217 supports small businesses and advances one of the state’s fastest-growing industries, marking an important step forward for business owners, consumers and the continued growth of New York’s cannabis marketplace.
“This new law gives licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market,” Governor Hochul said. “By opening the door for legal operators to sell at approved community events and farmer’s markets we are putting small entrepreneurs on a level playing field, expanding consumer access to safer, regulated products and strengthening one of New York’s fastest growing industries.”
Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director John Kagia said, “Regulated cannabis has proven to be an economic engine for New York, but the strength of this market lies in the businesses operating across the supply chain. The Governor signing this bill secures a critical opportunity for the microbusinesses building New York’s craft cannabis ecosystem to showcase their products at events across the state. This bill advances equitable, inclusive opportunity for our small businesses, and we thank the Governor, Senate and Assembly for their continued commitment to strengthening New York’s cannabis market.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Cannabis microbusiness are often small farms without big marketing budgets or easy access to retail markets. Showcase events, like farm markets, give these small businesses a perfect way to reach consumers with their homegrown products. With summer here and New Yorkers excited to shop outside, it's critical that cannabis microbusinesses can participate in showcase events alongside retailers and other licensees — and our legislation makes that possible. I thank the Office of Cannabis Management for their partnership in supporting our small businesses, and the Governor for signing our bill in time for the summer season.”
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “The bill ensures that NY’s cannabis microbusinesses can participate in Showcase Events occurring across the state. I’d like to thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of supporting these small businesses by signing our legislation today. They need every competitive advantage in order to market their products, build brand awareness and develop long-term community connections.”
This legislation ensures that licensed cannabis microbusinesses are eligible to fully participate in Cannabis Showcase Events (CSEs). These permits allow licensed operators to engage directly with consumers at approved pop-ups, farmers’ markets and public market events, while strengthening partnerships with local municipalities. The law recognizes the unique role microbusinesses play in New York’s cannabis marketplace and expands opportunities for them to participate in these community-centered events.
Cannabis Farmers Alliance President Joseph Calderone said, “The Cannabis Farmer’s Alliance is thankful to the Governor for signing this important fix to the showcase events statute and to the Office of Cannabis Management for its critical guidance and support. Likewise we are grateful for the support of the legislative sponsors, Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, who have been tireless in their advocacy for cannabis farmers. This bill, along with the Governor’s consistent support for our priorities, have fundamentally changed the market for the better and we applaud the Governor’s actions today.”
Quality High Owner Matthew Nicoletti said, “As a microbusiness, it can be difficult to compete with larger operators that have significantly bigger marketing budgets. Cannabis Showcase Events create an opportunity for businesses like Quality High to connect directly with consumers, introduce them to our products, and build brand awareness in ways that might otherwise be out of reach. These events provide a meaningful opportunity to compete on a more level playing field while strengthening relationships within our community. We’re incredibly appreciative that OCM recognized the challenges microbusinesses face and took the time to listen. It means a great deal to know that our voices are being heard and that there is a genuine commitment to supporting small businesses as New York’s cannabis market continues to grow.”
NY Small Farma LTD President Nicole Ricci said, “NY Small Farma is grateful to the Agriculture Committee Chairs of the Senate and Assembly for sponsoring our showcase bill, to the Office of Cannabis Management for its willingness to work with us to strengthen the language, and to Governor Hochul for swiftly signing this pivotal legislation into law. This collaborative effort demonstrates New York State leadership's commitment to ensuring that small-scale growers can build economically viable businesses, connect directly with consumers, and fully realize the seed-to-sale model envisioned under the microbusiness license tier. NY Small Farma looks forward to continuing this collaborative partnership as this important legislation is implemented so that all microbusinesses can have meaningful market access.”
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