The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) has unanimously confirmed the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)'s new Chief Equity Officer. The Board also approved 53 new adult-use license applications, advancing efforts to expand access and opportunity across the state.
The New York State Senate recently confirmed Governor Kathy Hochul's nomination of Jessica C. García to serve as Chair of the Cannabis Control Board. García, a longtime labor advocate and Assistant to the President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, brings a career-long focus on advancing workers' rights and equity. Ms. García has served as a member of the Cannabis Control Board since 2021.
The Office also took time to express sincere gratitude to former CCB Chair Tremaine Wright for her groundbreaking leadership in launching and guiding New York's cannabis program since its inception. Ms. Wright has been a steadfast leader committed to equity, access, and setting the foundation for a first-in-the-nation model for regulated cannabis rooted in justice.
"I'm honored to take on this role at such a critical moment in the development of New York's cannabis industry," said Jessica C. García, Chair of The New York State Cannabis Control Board. "This is a market built on values—equity, safety, transparency—and I look forward to continuing that mission with collaborative efforts, while expanding access, opportunity, and oversight for all New Yorkers."
The Office also welcomed L. Simone Washington as its new Chief Equity Officer, a seasoned change management professional with a deep background in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Washington brings extensive experience in equity-focused business development, conflict management, organizational effectiveness, team building, and leadership development. Her appointment underscores the Office's continued commitment to ensuring social and economic equity remain central to all licensing, economic development, and programmatic work across the cannabis ecosystem and the agency.
"I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to Acting Executive Director Reid, OCM leadership and members of the Cannabis Control Board for your vote of confidence in my abilities to step into the role of Chief Equity Officer," said L. Simone Washington, newly appointed Chief Equity Officer at the Office of Cannabis Management. "While this is a mission-critical and complex job, with a lot of moving parts, I am buoyed by the possibilities rather than burdened by the fears that this opportunity brings with it. As the OCM aims to both live up to the ideals of and operationalize social and economic equity, it is the role of the Chief Equity Officer to weave a vision that is equally bold and pragmatic; that stitches together the highest aspirations of the staff and the buy-in and partnership of the communities that we serve."
Adult-use license approvals
The CCB also approved 53 new adult-use cannabis licenses, bringing the total to 1,789. Of those approved at the meeting, 46% are held by Social and Economic Equity (SEE) licensees, the majority of which are minority-owned businesses.
"Expanding market access through licensing is critical to cannabusiness opportunity, as is taking clear-eyed compliance and trade practice action to protect the integrity of New York's cannabis market," said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. "Each new license represents an opportunity—for economic empowerment, for equity, and for communities across the state to benefit from a safe, legal cannabis industry. I'm also thrilled to welcome Chair, García, and Ms. Washington as Chief Equity Officer. The leadership of these powerhouse women, with deep experience and critical perspective, will strengthen OCM's commitment to equity, integrity, and building forward."
Market expansion measures, new regulatory framework
The Board approved and accepted the recommendations in the Office's Market Report, including the recommendation that all existing cultivators submit an amendment to cultivate cannabis indoors if they choose to do so. Previously, indoor cultivation was only available for certain licensees. Providing the ability for cultivators to grow indoors will help expand access to high-quality indoor-grown cannabis flower in New York State's market. The Board also voted to approve the proposed public convenience and advantage regulations.
These regulatory changes will help add additional structure and conditions for the Board to consider when reviewing whether a retail dispensary is in the public convenience and advantage. The regulations will be made effective when they are published in the State Register.
Trade Practices Bureau Update
The Office provided an update on the Trade Practices Bureau (TPB), which is actively investigating dozens of tips related to market integrity issues, including inversion, license stacking, True-Party of Interest (TPI) violations, cross-tier activity, and undue influence. Recent investigations involve a combination of tip intake, detailed record review, and witness interviews. The TPB is expanding its staff to support the growing caseload, and the Office anticipates announcing case settlements in the near future. The TPB remains focused on ensuring a fair, transparent, and accountable cannabis marketplace for all New Yorkers.
"As the TPB continues to work on investigating cases and their due diligence, I am particularly looking forward to taking future action to hold operators who violate New York's rules meaningfully accountable," said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management.
Market and social economic equity update
New York's legal cannabis market continues to show sustained growth, with total retail sales surpassing $1.70 billion and adult-use sales rising for the fifth consecutive month. In May alone, the State saw average annualized sales of $3.75 million per dispensary—evidence of strong consumer demand and increasing operational efficiency among licensees.
With a statewide population of 19.6 million and 47,920 New Yorkers served per open dispensary, access to legal cannabis continues to expand as more storefronts open across the Empire State. The steady climb in sales reflects growing consumer confidence and the maturing of New York's regulated market.
New York State continues to demonstrate its commitment to Social and Economic Equity (SEE) by ensuring broad participation in the adult-use licensing process. Of the 1,789 adult-use licenses issued by the Board, 56% have been awarded to SEE applicants. This includes Community Disproportionately Impacted (CDI) applicants (14%), distressed farmers (7%), minority-owned businesses (47%), service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (7%), and women-owned businesses (57%).
There are currently 413 legal dispensaries open for business across the Empire State. A full list of New York's licensed, operational adult-use cannabis retailers is available here.