New York: Cannabis Showcase Event Bill Signed Into Law

The Press Release

Cannabis Showcase Event Bill Signed Into Law

Permits will be available after regulatory process

(ALBANY, NY) – Agriculture Chairs Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and Senator Michelle Hinchey announced that the chapter amendment to their legislation signed in 2024 was signed into law (A418/S818), making permits for Cannabis Showcase Events available as soon as the regulatory process is completed.

The bill gives the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) the authority to issue Cannabis Showcase Event permits, similar to the successful Cannabis Growers Showcase (CSG) program, which sunsetted on January 1, 2024. By all accounts, the CSG program was a success, bringing cultivators, processors, and retail licensees together where they could directly interact with and educate consumers.

The legislation will allow OCM to issue Cannabis Showcase Event permits for events at “pop-up” locations, including farmers’ markets and other approved locations. Permits will be valid for up to 14 days. Changes to the original bill passed in 2024 clarified that in order to be granted a permit, retailers must partner with at least one grower and one processor for the event, extending benefits to all parts of the supply chain.

While the bill has been signed into law, OCM must now go through a regulatory process before permit approvals for events can be issued. This will include drafting regulations, Cannabis Control Board approval, and subsequent comment periods.

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, Chair, Assembly Agriculture Committee, said, “I am glad that we finally have a process in place to permanently establish Cannabis Showcase Event permits in state law. This will expand market opportunities for smaller farmers and processors, allowing them to grow their consumer base. Hopefully the regulatory process will be completed in a timely manner to allow for permits to be issued this Summer.”

Senator Michelle Hinchey, Chair, Senate Agriculture Committee, said, “Cannabis Growers Showcases have been a lifeline for New York farmers, giving them opportunities to sell directly in the legal market. We’re thrilled our bill has been chaptered and hopeful OCM will move quickly to reauthorize the permit process so these events can continue to deliver new business opportunities for New York cannabis farmers statewide.”