ALBANY — A state Supreme Court justice issued a temporary restraining order last week allowing the operators of two Manhattan hemp stores to remove “illicit cannabis” signs that had been placed on the storefronts by marijuana regulators following raids.The judge’s ruling came as attorneys for dozens of hemp store owners whose shops have been raided and had products seized are … [Read more...] about Judge orders ‘illicit cannabis’ signs removed as NY regs face scrutiny
New York
Office of Cannabis Management expects $800 million in revenue by end of year
ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Office of Cannabis Management said in a meeting on Tuesday, November 12, that it expects $800 million in revenue from legal dispensaries by the end of the year. The potential end-of-year revenue total is much larger than the total from 2023, which featured the OCM combatting lawsuits and illicit shops, limiting revenue totals. By comparison, … [Read more...] about Office of Cannabis Management expects $800 million in revenue by end of year
New York cannabis office approves a 6-month extension for CAURD provisional licenses
The New York state Office of Cannabis Management approved a six-month extension for provisional licenses for retailers with former marijuana convictions who want to open a recreational store, the office announced Tuesday. (AP Photo) The New York state Office of Cannabis Management approved a six-month extension for provisional licenses for retailers with former marijuana … [Read more...] about New York cannabis office approves a 6-month extension for CAURD provisional licenses
Group for small pot farmers sues N.Y. and warns industry ‘at risk of collapse’
ALBANY — A lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of the Cannabis Farmers Alliance accuses the state Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board of pushing growers with small operations to the brink of financial ruin as their industry faces potential collapse. The lawsuit alleges that the “OCM’S rollout of legalized cannabis in New York has been disastrous” and that … [Read more...] about Group for small pot farmers sues N.Y. and warns industry ‘at risk of collapse’
NYC Cannabis Stores Don’t Have a Lot in Common With Wine Bars and Brewpubs — Yet
In February 2014, Sohan Bashar started a one-year stint at Rikers Island after being convicted of a cannabis-related felony. In February 2024, Bashar opened Silk Road NYC, a licensed dispensary in Jamaica, Queens. His arc demonstrates the evolution of cannabis and cannabis-related retail in New York City. “Ten years later, I’m opening a store to then legally sell that product,” … [Read more...] about NYC Cannabis Stores Don’t Have a Lot in Common With Wine Bars and Brewpubs — Yet
Lawsuit claims New York’s cannabis rollout threatens small farms’ survival
ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — A group of cannabis farmers who own small operations in New York State have filed a lawsuit against the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), claiming the state’s handling of the recreational cannabis rollout has left them facing financial ruin. The lawsuit, filed by the Cannabis Farmers Alliance, allege that OCM is not following the laws the state … [Read more...] about Lawsuit claims New York’s cannabis rollout threatens small farms’ survival
Commentary: We’re overlooking New York’s medical cannabis program
Three years in, New York’s adult-use cannabis program has faced a series of setbacks, primarily due to mismanagement of the rollout, which allowed illegal dispensaries to thrive at the expense of legal cannabis operators. Changes at the Office of Cannabis Management have provided cause for optimism. The new leadership team has demonstrated a commitment to providing a welcome … [Read more...] about Commentary: We’re overlooking New York’s medical cannabis program
Illicit cannabis crackdown: Nearly 20 locations reportedly padlocked
Signs reading "ILLICIT CANNABIS SEIZED," in bright red lettering can be seen on closed storefronts across town. Here in Monroe County, only six businesses are licensed to sell cannabis. "I can tell you that we are out every week," said Daniel Haughney of the Office of Cannabis Management. Haughney is the New York State Office of Cannabis Management's Director of Enforcement. … [Read more...] about Illicit cannabis crackdown: Nearly 20 locations reportedly padlocked
A New York City law used to padlock suspected illegal pot shops is ruled unconstitutional
FILE - New York Police officers collect seized merchandise at an illegal cannabis shop during an enforcement action, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File) A law that New York City has relied on to padlock scores of suspected unlicensed marijuana shops is unconstitutional because it violates the rights of store owners, a judge ruled Tuesday. Mayor … [Read more...] about A New York City law used to padlock suspected illegal pot shops is ruled unconstitutional
New York’s cannabis taxes are finally being reinvested in public projects
(NCPR) Three and a half years after New York State legalized recreational marijuana, the taxes from cannabis sales are starting to bear fruit. The state's Office of Cannabis Management is accepting grant proposals for a $5 million community reinvestment program funded by those cannabis sales. The grants will go to nonprofits that serve young people 24 years and under and target … [Read more...] about New York’s cannabis taxes are finally being reinvested in public projects
