Heading into 2025 New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two new cannabis related bills, one of which would bring back the previously discontinued Cannabis Growers' Showcase program, effectively allowing adult-use cannabis farmers' markets across New York State.
The first bill (A10398/S9679), allows for the establishment of a cannabis showcase event permit. This showcase event permit would act similarly to the prior authorizations for cannabis farmers' markets and would require application by a licensed retailer (with corresponding proof of partnership with a licensed cultivator and/or processor). Many were disappointed by the discontinuance of the cannabis growers' showcases at the start of 2024, as they were a welcome addition for many licensees, particularly suppliers struggling to gain shelf-space and early traction as they began their operations.
The permitted adult-use retail licensee would then be authorized to conduct retail sales of certain adult-use cannabis products and merchandise to consumers at an event, similar to a farmers' market or pop-up. A permit is generally limited to 14 days, with a permit being limited to one cannabis showcase event. Permittees must still comply with all relevant requirements, including sales reporting.
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