In a significant move for New York’s cannabis industry, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of twelve new adult-use dispensaries across the state, from Brooklyn to Buffalo. By the end of December, New York is expected to have at least 37 dispensaries operational, marking a substantial growth in the legal adult-use cannabis market.
Governor Hochul emphasized the administration’s dedication to creating a safe, inclusive cannabis industry that supports small businesses. “This expansion is not just about business growth; it’s about building a market that is equitable and accessible to all New Yorkers,” she stated. These new dispensaries play a crucial role in ensuring a regulated market and displacing unlicensed operations.
Remarkably, among the new dispensaries, eight are majority Black-owned, five are Hispanic-owned, and nine are women-owned. This is a notable achievement, especially considering the national scarcity of Black-owned cannabis dispensaries.
Despite legal hurdles, including two court-ordered injunctions, New York has made significant strides in rolling out these new dispensaries. The state has also been active in combating unlicensed cannabis sales, with enforcement officers conducting over 350 inspections and seizing over 11,000 pounds of illicit cannabis.
Below are the recent and upcoming openings of these dispensaries, each contributing to the diverse