The New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held its November meeting to approve new adult-use licenses, share equity updates, and highlight investments in community health and education. Since the first adult-use retailers opened in 2022, licensed businesses have created thousands of jobs, generated millions in local tax revenue, and provided safer, tested products for consumers statewide. As the market continues to grow, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will focus on strengthening compliance, ensuring geographic balance, and supporting long-term sustainability across all regions.
"Every approval the Board issues is an investment in entrepreneurial opportunity," said Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. "New York is showing the cannabis industry nationwide that focused purpose can fuel economic development, community impact, and innovation—making for a whole that is far bigger than the sum of its parts."
The November CCB meeting emphasized ongoing momentum toward a safe, equitable, and fully regulated cannabis market that benefits communities statewide. The Board approved 68 new adult-use licenses, bringing the total number issued to 1,991. Of the licenses approved this month, 63 percent went to Social and Economic Equity (SEE) applicants, reflecting the state's continued commitment to building a fair and inclusive cannabis market. The new licenses span cultivators, distributors, microbusinesses, processors, retail dispensaries, and CAURD licensees.
"Each license we approve reflects more than compliance; it reflects confidence in a system designed to promote fairness, safety, and community investment," said Jessica García, Chair of the Cannabis Control Board. "Together, we're building an industry that uplifts New Yorkers and sets a national standard for equity and integrity."
The Office is launching the SEE Microbusiness Pro Forma Tool, a free interactive financial-planning resource designed to help microbusiness licensees forecast costs, plan working-capital needs, and create financial projections for business and investment planning. Developed by a financial advisory firm, the tool enables users to input operating assumptions and generate customized projections. OCM has also released free tutorial videos and presentation materials to help licensees understand and use the tool. Additional information is available at cannabis.ny.gov/social-and-economic-equity or by emailing [email protected].
This year marks a milestone for OCM with $5 million in Community Reinvestment Grants awarded to 50 community-based projects across the state. These grants direct cannabis tax revenue back into communities most affected by past enforcement, funding initiatives that expand youth mental-health services, strengthen workforce-development programs, and support housing stability for individuals and families in need. Each award demonstrates the state's commitment to ensuring the cannabis industry's success fuels opportunity, equity, and community well-being.
The Office also hosted the Cannabis Education Roundtable for School Health Leaders in partnership with the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Representatives from 13 school districts, three state agencies, and 25 total participants met to discuss cannabis awareness, youth health, and community-education strategies. Additionally, OCM co-hosted the 2nd Annual NYS Medical Cannabis Symposium with Northwell Health, bringing together 150 clinicians and researchers to explore cannabinoids in clinical practice. The two-day event included oral and poster presentations as well as a certifying practitioner course that trained 221 participants.
"Education is a pillar of public health," said Dr. June Chin, Chief Medical Officer of OCM. "By sharing data, clinical experience, and evidence-based guidance, we equip practitioners and policymakers to advance cannabis care responsibly and keep patients safe. We look forward to continuing these partnerships across New York State and laying the groundwork for future medical cannabis events."
New York's regulated cannabis market continues to mature, surpassing $1.4 billion in reported sales to date. "Equity is not a slogan—it's the structure," said L. Simone Washington, Chief Equity Officer of OCM. "Across every region and license type, SEE entrepreneurs are proving that when access meets accountability, New York builds an industry that works for everyone."
Equity remains central to this growth. As of November, 57 percent of all adult-use licenses statewide have been awarded to SEE businesses, and half of the new approvals this month went to SEE licensees. Representation is strong across all license types, with notable strengths in retail dispensaries and microbusinesses. Regional data show high concentrations of SEE businesses in New York City and lower representation in the Southern Tier, highlighting the need to address geographic gaps as the market expands. SEE and CAURD operators continue to show strong performance, with CAURD licensees leading the state in sales per store and SEE retailers demonstrating steady month-over-month growth.
As of now, 522 legal dispensaries are open for business across New York State.
