Drinking the Kool Aid….2024 Was All Good News Says NY Cannabis Agency

I suppose this is how you think when you get high on your own supply.

Here at CLR we don’t have a problem with good news but at school, back in the dim distant 20th century, i was also told to admit my own mistakes and to be open with people about t

High New York,

As we close out 2024, we reflect on a year of tremendous progress, milestones, and growth for New York’s cannabis industry. From opening 270+ Adult-Use Retail Stores and surpassing $800 million in cumulative sales, to launching transformative programs like the Community Reinvestment Program Grants (CRPG), this year has been one of incredible progress. None of it would be possible without the dedication of our licensees, the support of our community partners and stakeholders, and the resilience of New Yorkers like you. Together, we are building a market rooted in equity, opportunity, and innovation.

Thank you for being a vital part of this journey. As we prepare to step into a new year, we look forward to continuing this momentum and achieving even greater milestones in 2025. Here’s to a safe, joyful holiday season and an exciting road ahead for New York cannabis!

Unwrap the latest updates and highlights in this month’s newsletter—your final gift of cannabis news for 2024!

Key Updates:

Cannabis Control Board (#NYCCB) December 10th Meeting
- #NYCannabis Market Updates: On December 10, 2024, the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) wrapped up its final public meeting of the year at The Empire State Plaza Concourse, highlighting a year of tremendous advancement in the cannabis industry. During the meeting:
  - 68 new licenses were approved across the supply chain, including 24 processors and 15 retail dispensaries.
  - New York now has 275 licensed adult-use dispensaries operating statewide.
- Market Highlights:
  - Total sales revenue to date: $918.7 million, approaching the impressive $1 billion mark!
  - The regulated market continues to fuel economic growth, equity, and opportunity across New York.

With each new development, New York is building a thriving, inclusive cannabis industry!

- Commitment to Social and Economic Equity (SEE): New York’s cannabis industry leads with inclusivity, awarding 54% of adult-use licenses in 2024 to SEE applicants.
  - 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%)
  - At the CCB meeting, 61% of licenses approved were issued to SEE applicants, further highlighting New York’s dedication to building a fair and diverse cannabis market.
- Veterans Initiatives: OCM is committed to supporting veterans through education, employment, and resources. Key initiatives include:
  - Participation in VETCON 2024 to deepen community engagement.
  - Providing valuable resources, such as education materials regarding veterans and cannabis, which covers VA benefits, employment opportunities, and safe cannabis use.
  - Launching an interagency veteran-focused task force with support from the Departments of Labor, Health, and General Services.

Together, we’re closing 2024 on a high note—strengthening communities, fostering inclusivity, and driving innovation across the cannabis industry!

Cannabis Advisory Board (#NYCAB) December 13th Meeting
- Market Update – Strong Growth Continues: At the latest Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) meeting, John Kagia, Executive Deputy Director of the Office of Market Policy, Innovation, & Analytics, shared promising updates on the growth of New York’s cannabis market.
  - Green Wednesday Success: Weekly sales hit a record $29 million the day before Thanksgiving, bringing total sales to date to $918.7 million.
  - 2024 Year-to-Date Sales: With four weeks left in the year, $760 million in sales have already been recorded.
  - Dispensary Revenue: On average, dispensaries are generating $6 million annually, showcasing the industry’s maturity and consumer demand.
  - Impact of Enforcement Actions: Downstate retailers have benefited from crackdowns on illicit operators, helping restore consumer confidence in the legal market.
- NYS Cannabis Industry Projections:
  - Rising Consumption: Cannabis use among adults has grown over the past decade, with 19% reporting annual use (+30%) and 12% reporting monthly use (+43%).
  - Market Potential: By 2030, consumer spending is projected to reach $6.5B to $7.5B annually, requiring over 2 million pounds of cannabis to meet demand.
  - Product Trends: While flower remains dominant, demand for vapes and edibles is expected to rise due to innovative product formulations.

The CAB’s discussions reflect New York’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, equitable, and thriving cannabis industry as it looks toward an even brighter future.

Uplifting Cannabis Workforce Development: OCM x Our Academy
- December 5, 2024: Our Academy hosted a Budtender Training Workshop in partnership with the Wana Brands Foundation and Cannabis Science Educator Justino Rodriguez. Budtenders, the frontlines of the cannabis industry, gained critical training to prepare for dispensary roles. The workshop addressed a key barrier to operational readiness—staffing—by providing dispensary owners with a pool of job-ready professionals. The day wrapped up with a Job Fair, connecting participants with businesses actively hiring skilled employees.
- December 6, 2024: Our Academy and OCM marked the finale of “Office Hours IRL” with a graduation event celebrating hundreds of mentees who completed over 110 hours of specialized training. The session included live workshops, networking, and mentorship, equipping participants with tools and connections to thrive in New York’s booming cannabis market.
- Program Highlights:
  - 750 CAURD & SEE participants
  - 91 free educational sessions by Dec. 15, 2024
  - 92 teaching hours delivered by Sept. 2024
  - 650 hours of 1-on-1 mentorship between SMEs and licensees
  - 130+ pro forma models prepared
  - 280+ hours of personalized pro forma walkthroughs

These initiatives underscore OCM and Our Academy’s shared mission to break barriers and foster workforce development in New York’s growing cannabis industry!

Supporting Wellness for Older Adults: Felicia A.B. Reid Talks Cannabis
- In a recent podcast with the Office of the Aging, Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid shared how cannabis can enhance the health and well-being of older adults. She discussed its potential to help manage chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep disorders, along with emerging research on benefits for dementia-related symptoms like aggression and withdrawal.
- Accessibility Matters:
  - Reid highlighted resources for home delivery services from medical dispensaries,ways to connect with certified practitioners, and tips for safely cultivating home-grown cannabis.

Takeaway: Cannabis can be a valuable tool for improving quality of life—tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. Watch now for expert insights!

Rollin’ Into The Month:
Things You Need to Know

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Temporary Restraining Order Impacting CAURD & Provisional Applications

On December 11, 2024, the New York Supreme Court issued a preliminary injunction in the case of Organic Blooms, LLC, et al. v. The New York State Cannabis Control Board, et al. (Index No. 904497-24). This legal challenge alleges that certain policy decisions made by OCM and CCB in 2022 and 2023 may not align with the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA).

The Court has ordered OCM to stop processing certain applications that did not comply with the municipal notice requirements.

OCM understands the challenges and frustrations this may cause for affected applicants and remains committed to keeping you informed as the situation develops.

Our Commitment: OCM will continue working toward the MRTA’s goals and collaborating with the cannabis community and agency partners to move forward. Stay tuned for updates.

Coming Soon: Annual Reports Drop on 12/31!

As we close out 2024, we’re excited to release three key annual reports:

Annual Report: A comprehensive look at the year’s milestones and achievements.
Social and Economic Equity (SEE) Report: Progress in building an inclusive cannabis industry.
Enforcement Report: Updates on efforts to ensure a fair and safe marketplace.

Check out the Reports page and explore the progress we’ve made together!

NYS Industry Plug: For Licensees

BioTrack Webinar Training Sessions: In preparation for the upcoming BioTrack STS integration, the Office has announced scheduled BioTrack training webinars for licensees and third-party integrators. To make the integration of your inventory tracking system with NYS BioTrack as seamless as possible, it is highly recommended that integrators attend the training sessions. View training dates and topics here: https://cannabis.ny.gov/seed-to-sale
Adult-Use #NYcannabis licensees can request changes to their license records using the Amendment Request Survey. Updates can be made in License Overview, Contact Info, Location, and Ownership Notification. Resubmit any requests here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7988593/LRU
NYC LEASE Program: Looking for the perfect commercial space for your cannabis business? The NYC LEASE Program offers support for CAURD licensees and landlords, providing access to available spaces and essential guidance on state cannabis regulations. Explore SBS’s Commercial Lease Assistance Program (CLA) for expert support.
Fast Trac® for Cannabis Entrepreneurs: Elevate your business knowledge with Fast Trac® for Cannabis Entrepreneurs, a free program offering educational training and guidance for cannabis business owners. Applications for the next cohorts are open—don’t miss out! Apply and Enroll here.
Cannabis Account Managers: Tap into free services tailored to cannabis businesses through NYC Business Solutions Centers. Cannabis Account Managers provide support with business courses, consultations, legal and hiring assistance, financing, compliance guidance, and M/WBE Certification. Visit a NYC Business Solutions Center and Connect today!

NYS CannaCareer Plug:
Finding A Job in Cannabis

Explore Cannabis Education and Connect with Talent:

Looking to build a career in the cannabis industry? Or hiring for your cannabis business? New York State and private educational institutions across the state offer a growing number of education programs in cannabis, including majors, minors, certificates, micro-credentials, and individual courses.

Job seekers: Consider enhancing your skills and knowledge by enrolling in these programs to stand out in the industry.
Businesses: Connect with NYS education institutions near you to find candidates with specialized training and academic preparation in cannabis-related fields.

View existing Cannabis Education Programs to learn more about available opportunities and build connections that drive success in the cannabis industry!

For questions, reach out to [email protected]. They are here to help connect you with resources that can assist you every step of the way!

Bud Safety Matters: Health & Safety

New Year’s Safe Consumption Tips: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!

As we ring in the new year, Governor Hochul reminds New Yorkers to celebrate responsibly and prioritize safety on our roads. The State Police, local law enforcement, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee are stepping up enforcement during the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, running from December 11, 2024, through January 1, 2025.

Key Safety Tips:

Plan Ahead: Make arrangements for a sober ride before the celebrations begin—use a taxi, rideshare, or designated driver.
No Open Containers: Keep cannabis products in their original packaging, sealed and unopened in your car.
Don’t Mix and Match: Avoid combining substances like alcohol and cannabis for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
Use the “Have a Plan” App: Download this handy tool to find taxis, rideshares, and safety tips, available on Apple, Android, and Windows devices.

Enforcement Measures: Law enforcement will conduct DWI checkpoints, patrols, and watch for speeding, distracted driving, and violations of the “Move Over Law.”

Construction Closures Suspended: To ease holiday travel, lane closures for roadwork will be suspended during peak holiday times:

December 21 at 6 AM through December 26 at 6 AM
December 31 at 6 AM through January 2 at 6 AM

Let’s make this holiday season one to remember—for all the right reasons. Stay safe, stay alert, and drive responsibly!

OCM’s consumer resources are essential for understanding safer, more responsible consumption habits that help protect public health and safety. Check out the resource below to learn more about safer consumption, including the importance of safe storage and consumption:

The Guide to Safer Consumption: Whether you’re a daily consumer or canna-curious, check out The Guide to Safer Consumption for more information on how to stay safer when consuming cannabis.

Use the Incident Reporting Form to report an adverse health event, concern about a cannabis business, or concern regarding a cannabis product to the Office of Cannabis Management.

Report an Incident