Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has signed two new bills into law that expand the state’s marijuana farmers market program, fostering greater collaboration between licensed cannabis businesses and farmers through “pop-up” events. These bills, introduced by Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo, amend the original law from 2023 to allow retailers to partner with at least one cultivator and one processor for showcase events, rather than just one of each. These events will require participating retailers to sell products from their partnered cultivators and processors, though they can also sell other items. Additionally, each retail licensee must obtain a permit to operate at an event with multiple retailers.
The legislation is set to take effect in 120 days and aims to address the slow roll-out of New York’s adult-use marijuana program, which has faced delays. Since the market launched, New York has seen over $1 billion in sales and a successful crackdown on unlicensed shops. State officials also recently announced grants of up to $30,000 for marijuana businesses to assist with startup costs. Additionally, there’s been growing concern over the financial struggles of licensees in the CAURD program, with calls for forgiveness of high-cost loans issued under a social equity initiative. A recent budget proposal from the governor suggests empowering police to force drug tests based on the smell of marijuana, which has received backlash from reform advocates.
Further, the state Senate recently approved a bill to extend housing protections for medical marijuana patients, and lawmakers are considering broader drug decriminalization measures. Critics, including various cannabis advocacy groups, have expressed concern over the shift toward corporate interests in New York’s marijuana industry, arguing that small businesses and justice-involved entrepreneurs are being sidelined. In parallel, psychedelics legalization bills, such as for psilocybin and ibogaine, are also being considered.
