New York, a state known for its trailblazing politics and culture, has hit a monumental milestone in the world of legal cannabis. On January 28, 2025, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that the state's cannabis industry had officially surpassed $1 billion in retail sales—a number that was once nothing more than a far-off goal. The announcement was made with a historic press conference held on the iconic Million Dollar Stairs at the State Capitol in Albany, marking the state's ever-growing cannabis success story.

This isn’t just about big sales; it's a shift in how cannabis is seen and regulated in the U.S. It’s a testament to the Empire State’s commitment to fostering equity, opportunity, and a sustainable future in the burgeoning legal cannabis market. New York's approach stands in stark contrast to many other states, prioritizing social justice, economic equity, and local entrepreneurship rather than just profits and corporate monopolies.
That evening, to honor the occasion, Empire State Plaza and the Alfred E. Smith Building were illuminated in green, representing a new era for New York—a state now not just known for its skyscrapers and Broadway lights but for its burgeoning cannabis industry. This wasn’t just a flash of green lights; it was a beacon symbolizing how far New York has come, and more importantly, where it's headed.
The Road to $1 Billion: A Collective Effort
New York’s cannabis market is a collaborative creation—a network of cultivators, processors, distributors, retailers, and microbusinesses working together to build something far bigger than the sum of its parts. Nearly 300 adult-use dispensaries are now open across the state, with sales soaring as New Yorkers continue to flock to the legal market. But the true star of this milestone isn’t the revenue figures—it’s the people behind it.

For Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, this achievement is personal. “Recognizing the need to put equity and inclusion at the forefront of this mission and seeing the businesses being created and lives changed for the better because of those initiatives should make us all proud,” she said in her remarks.
Senator Jeremy Cooney, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Cannabis, also reflected on the significance of the $1 billion milestone, noting that when the MRTA (Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act) passed, hitting that target was little more than a hope. Today, that hope has become reality. “We’ve achieved a goal, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” Cooney added, urging the state to continue pushing for a more equitable and thriving marketplace.
From the Streets to the Capitol: Celebrating New York’s Cannabis Future
While $1 billion in sales may sound like the climax of this cannabis journey, it’s really just the beginning. The growth of the cannabis industry in New York reflects a state-wide revolution, built on a foundation of equity and sustainability. Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the OCM, summed it up best: “We have shown New York, and the nation, what is possible when we face our past to build our future.”
From The Bronx to Buffalo, Plattsburgh to Poughkeepsie, the regulated cannabis market is both reflecting and reinforcing the state’s values. New York isn’t just acknowledging its past; it's actively crafting a future that prioritizes justice and opportunity for all.
And just to make sure everyone got the point, New York went all-in on the celebration. The Empire State Plaza and Alfred E. Smith Building lit up in vibrant green, creating a visual reminder of the tremendous success and potential of the legal cannabis industry. It was a bold statement—New York isn’t just opening dispensaries; it’s rewriting the narrative of what a legal cannabis market can look like.
New York’s Cannabis Market by the Numbers
The buzz doesn’t stop with green lights and celebrations. New York’s cannabis market has now surpassed $50 million in early 2025 revenues, with 295 dispensaries open across the state. The industry is growing at a breakneck pace, with 31 new licenses recently approved by the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB), including 10 processors and 4 retail dispensaries.
The state’s Community Grants Reinvestment Program has received an impressive 451 grant applications, a sign that New Yorkers are ready to reinvest cannabis tax revenue back into communities, with a particular focus on youth, mental health, and housing initiatives.

Equity and Innovation: The Core of New York’s Cannabis Vision
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this achievement is that New York is leading with equity. 54% of adult-use licenses are held by Social and Economic Equity applicants—individuals who have historically been marginalized and disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. This isn’t just about making a buck; it’s about rectifying past wrongsand creating opportunities for communities that have been left behind.
As Felicia A. B. Reid eloquently stated: “Together, we are building something precious and unprecedented—an industry that not only acknowledges the past but actively works to create a more just and equitable future.” This is a cannabis market where opportunity and inclusion are built into the very framework of the industry, ensuring that those who have been harmed by prohibition now have a stake in the legal, regulated market.
The Road Ahead: More Than Just Weed
What’s next for New York? As the $1 billion milestone shows, the future is incredibly bright. New York isn’t just focusing on the financials; it’s doubling down on sustainability, community-building, and entrepreneurship. The Sustainability, Environmental Achievement, and Leadership (SEAL) Awards recently honored the Office of Cannabis Management for its groundbreaking work in sustainable cannabis practices. Through initiatives like the PowerScore, OCM is helping cannabis licensees adopt greener, more efficient practices while setting an example for other states—and even countries—that the cannabis industry can be environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
The People Behind the Milestone
At the heart of this historic journey are the people who’ve built the industry from the ground up. From the mom-and-pop cultivators to the entrepreneurs driving innovation, these are the unsung heroes who are making New York’s cannabis industry more than just a booming market—they’re making it a movement.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow in the Empire State, one thing is clear: the future is green, and it’s filled with opportunity. Whether it’s cannabis microbusinesses, social equity applicants, or sustainable entrepreneurs, New York’s legal cannabis industry is paving the way for a future where access, opportunity, and fairness are front and center.
Here’s to the next chapter in New York’s cannabis story—and to making the next billion even more meaningful.
About the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM):
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management was created to oversee the state’s adult-use cannabis program and to ensure that cannabis businesses and practices are regulated in an equitable, responsible, and sustainable way. With an emphasis on equity, sustainability, and community reinvestment, OCM is shaping New York’s cannabis industry into a global leader in both innovation and social justice.