At Friday’s Cannabis Control Board (CCB) meeting in Troy, New York, hope gave way to heartbreak as hundreds of aspiring cannabis business owners—many of whom applied for licenses nearly two years ago—were told they might not be able to open their doors until 2033. Others feel approving all licenses would kill the market with over- saturation where no one wins.

The state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) confirmed that the long-anticipated "December queue" of applicants remains frozen until all applications from November 2023 are reviewed. At the current approval rate, some entrepreneurs could wait nearly a decade for licensure—well past the point regulators expect the retail market to become saturated.

“By the end of 2028, the market will hit a strain point, where shops will start to have to close,” said OCM COO Patrick McKeage, via Cultivated.

A Broken Promise?

For the more than 2,000 applicants who submitted in December 2023—many of them equity candidates and small business owners—the news was devastating. They’ve spent the past 20 months paying rent, utilities, and legal fees for spaces they legally can’t operate. Some were told their investments may remain idle for another eight years.

“It is deeply disheartening that while applicants like myself are still waiting for even a review, the larger ROs and MSOs have already received both reviews and licenses,” said Wendy Bertrand, a prospective licensee, during the public comment session. via Cultivated.

License Bottleneck by the Numbers

As of July 2025:

  • 436 dispensaries have opened in New York.
  • 674 retail licenses have been approved.
  • The board approved 52 additional licenses on Friday, including 17 new retail and 6 microbusiness licenses.
  • In total, 1,850 licenses have been granted across categories.
  • But 2,700+ retail applications, 900 microbusinesses, and hundreds of cultivation, distribution, and processing applications remain in limbo.

The bottleneck has become a rallying point for critics, particularly those in the social equity space who argue that New York’s rollout is favoring larger operators at the expense of community-rooted businesses.

Tempers Flare in Public Comment

At the meeting, CCB Chair Jessica Garcia acknowledged the mounting anger—but issued a stern reminder:

The statement didn’t sit well with many attendees, who believe civil discourse has gotten them nowhere. As one commenter put it, “You’re asking us to be polite while you let our dreams rot.”

New Rules on Marketing and Packaging

In the same session, the board took another stab at revising cannabis marketing and packaging rules. A previous proposal introduced in March was pulled back due to legal conflicts—specifically billboard use, which is prohibited under the state’s cannabis law.

The revised proposal:

  • Allows coupons, loyalty programs, and brand representatives.
  • Bans neon colors, cartoon-like fonts, and imagery resembling candy or cereal that may appeal to children.
  • Bars audio ads with children’s voices.
  • Permits signage up to 55 square feet within 100 yards of a retail location or cannabis event, and up to 16 square feet outside that radius.

A 45-day public comment period is now open before the rules are finalized.

The Bottom Line

Many fear New York’s vision for an inclusive and equitable cannabis industry is slipping further out of reach. Despite promises to prioritize small businesses and justice-impacted communities, the system appears to be stalling exactly those constituencies. If the current pace continues, the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurs may never get their shot.

📣 Public Comment is Open Until July 30:
Submit your comment here or pre-register to attend upcoming meetings here. You can also watch the live stream via Vimeo.