🗽 New York Cannabis Market Activates with New Openings, Education, and Equity-Focused Expansion
The New York State cannabis industry is entering a season of high activity with a wave of dispensary openings, expanded licensing, and new consumer tools aimed at building a safer, more equitable market.
🌱 New Dispensaries Open Across NY
Five new adult-use dispensaries launched in the week of May 19, bringing the state’s total to 391. The newest retail locations include:
- Crush Dispensary (Albany)
- Twenty8Gramz (Brooklyn)
- Jupiter Cafe (Olean)
- Silver Cannabis Company (Lake George)
- Herbwell Cannabis (Bronx)
These dispensaries join a fast-growing network of legal operators, helping expand access to lab-tested, compliant products statewide.
📈 License Expansion & Market Growth
On May 21, the Cannabis Control Board approved 52 new adult-use licenses, raising the total to 1,726. Of those, 68% are Social and Economic Equity (SEE) licensees, and 61% are women-owned—a strong signal of progress toward a more inclusive industry.
Additionally, 4/20 weekend delivered record-breaking sales, with over $31 million generated in one week—a 14% increase over the monthly average.
🔒 Seed-to-Sale Compliance & Buy Legal Map
In a major move to increase transparency and compliance, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced a June 15 deadline for licensees to integrate with the state’s Seed-to-Sale (STS) tracking system. This system ensures every product sold in the legal market is traceable from cultivation to consumer.
Consumers will soon benefit from the upcoming Buy Legal Cannabis Map, which offers real-time location and hours for licensed dispensaries statewide, with mobile-friendly features to simplify access.
👥 Community Activation & Cannabis Education
As part of its ongoing community engagement, the OCM has launched "Listen and Learn: Youth and Trusted Adults"— a statewide initiative to inform cannabis education programs through the lived experiences of young New Yorkers and their caregivers.
Additionally, this week’s #NYCannabis Grand Rounds (May 28) focused on medical cannabis use among older adults. The virtual panel offered practical insights from physicians, pharmacists, and caregivers on integrating cannabis into senior care.
🧠 What It Means for New Yorkers
With nearly 400 dispensaries open, a fully traceable supply chain underway, and strong investments in education and equity, New York's cannabis market is not just expanding — it's activating. Stay informed and buy legal.
Follow @nys_cannabis for the latest updates.
📍 Find licensed dispensaries at: cannabis.ny.gov
