NY OCM .. It’s Thanksgiving and it’s just a tsunami of good news following good news if you read their latest update

Key Updates:

•  250 Dispensaries and Counting! New York now has 250 dispensaries, providing access to safer, legal cannabis to communities across the state. This achievement highlights the rapid growth of our industry and our commitment to supporting local businesses. Join us in reinvesting in our New York State communities and visit a dispensary near you today!

• Cannabis Control Board (#NYCCB) November 12th Meeting
  •  #NYCannabis Market Growth: New York’s cannabis industry is thriving, with cumulative sales surpassing $800 million! Weekly sales hit $24.3 million in early November, bringing annual figures close to the $1 billion mark! This growth highlights the industry’s positive impact, driving economic progress while supporting community reinvestment and local business development.
  •  Medical Cannabis Expansion: The CCB approved four new Registered Organizations (RO) to better support unserved and underserved areas of the State, prioritizing diversity and inclusion. Approved applicants include:
    • Amethyst Health LLC (Western NY)
    • NY State of Mind Flower LLC (Central NY)
    • Project Verde LLC (NYC)
    • Pure Beauty NY LLC (Hudson region)
    • NOTE: All RO’s have a commitment to affordable, sustainable, and culturally competent cannabis services. More will be approved on a rolling basis.
  •  Commitment to Social and Economic Equity (SEE): New York is fostering inclusivity in its cannabis market, with 54% of the 1,094 adult-use licenses in 2024 awarded to SEE applicants. This includes:
    •  28 Community Disproportionately Impacted (5%)
    •  39 distressed farmers (6%)
    •  222 minority-owned businesses (38%)
    •  42 service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (7%)
    •  256 women-owned businesses (44%)
    • SEE applicants have excelled across all license categories, underscoring New York’s dedication to an inclusive industry. At the recent CCB meeting, 61% of approved licenses were SEE applicants.

•  New York’s Commitment to an Equitable Cannabis Industry: As we navigate the changing political landscape, New York’s dedication to building an inclusive, fair, and thriving cannabis market remains unwavering. Of the 1,094 adult-use licenses issued in 2024, 54% went to social and economic equity applicants, including 222 minority-owned businesses, 256 women-owned businesses, and 39 distressed farmers. The Office is proud of New York’s success in expanding opportunities for licensees and fostering a more inclusive cannabis market. We are deeply grateful for the community’s continued support and remain committed to building an equitable industry for everyone.

•  Processor Type 3 Branding License Now Open: OCM has opened the application window for the Processor Type 3 Branding License! This license allows brand licensees to partner with licensed cannabis processors for white label agreements to produce their branded cannabis products. Note: This license does not permit any direct plant-touching activities. Applications are available on New York Business Express (NYBE).

•  New Seed-to-Sale Tracking System Launched: The Office has introduced a new system to enhance regulatory oversight and transparency. All licensees must use an electronic inventory system integrated with BioTrack API to monitor cannabis from plant to sale. Laboratories will also use this system to send testing results directly to OCM.
  •  Support for Licensees: OCM is covering up to $250,000 in inventory tag purchases to alleviate initial cost for cultivators, processors, and microbusinesses licensees as they integrate the Seed-to-Sale system. Tags will ensure traceability at every stage—cultivation, processing, packaging, testing, and final sale.
  •  Strengthening Transparency & Accountability: This system, required by law, ensures the integrity of the cannabis supply chain and promotes compliance across both adult-use and medical sectors.
  •  Deadline for Survey Responses: By January 13, 2025, all licensees must inform OCM of the inventory tracking system vendor they plan to use.
  •  Key Requirements: Licensees must integrate with the NY STS Tracking System (BioTrack) by January 17, 2025. Learn more at cannabis.ny.gov/seed-to-sale.
•  Medical Cannabis Dispensing Facility Updates: Some #NYcannabis medical cannabis dispensing facilities have recently closed, but patient care remains a top priority. Many registered organizations carry products from other providers and may offer delivery services. Contact them directly to confirm product availability at specific locations. For the full list of NYS Medical Cannabis Dispensing Facilities, visit: https://cannabis.ny.gov/dispensing-facilities
•  9/11 Assistance: Were you at the World Trade Center or surrounding areas on September 11, 2001? Did you respond to the Pentagon, or Shanksville PA following the attacks? Did you develop a physical or mental health condition as a result? You may be eligible for no cost healthcare and/or financial compensation from the federal government. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, visit ny.gov/september11.