New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul, has officially signed two measures that expand the state’s cannabis farmers’ market program. The measures allow licensed marijuana businesses to form broader partnerships and host independent “pop-up” functions.
The state first introduced marijuana farmers’ markets in 2023 to accelerate consumer access while traditional retail licenses were still being processed. This also helped growers sell their products more easily. However, the program ended in January 2024. In December, Hochul signed a law to reinstate it, and now the newly approved legislation further enhances its scope.
The bills, sponsored by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and Senator Michelle Hinchey, received final approval on Thursday.
One major change is that retailers participating in these events must collaborate with at least one processor and one cultivator. Previously, they were limited to a single partnership per licensing category. Additionally, event permit holders must sell products from their designated partners but can also offer other cannabis items.
The new rules also specify that if multiple retailers join a farmers’ market event, each must obtain a permit and establish the required partnerships with processors and cultivators. These regulations will take effect 120 days after the enactment of the law.
The original farmers’ market initiative was designed to address delays in the state’s recreational cannabis rollout, which faced legal challenges and slow implementation. Despite these hurdles, the industry has made notable progress, with officials announcing that total cannabis sales surpassed $1 billion since the market launched.
Regulators credit the increase in license approvals and a crackdown on unlicensed dispensaries for the sector’s growth. At the same time, state authorities recently introduced a grant program offering approximately $30,000 to licensed cannabis retailers to help with startup expenses.
Earlier this year, businesses under the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program urged Hochul to cancel millions in costly loans issued through state-run social equity loans. Many CAURD licensees are struggling under these financial burdens.
Some advocacy groups, including NYC NORML, VOCAL-NY, and Drug Policy Alliance, have criticized state regulators, accusing them of prioritizing corporate interests over social equity and small businesses.
In a letter to Hochul, they expressed concern that since the departure of Chris Alexander, the former marijuana regulator, in May 2024, there has been a shift away from supporting justice-related entrepreneurs and CAURD license holders who have been directly impacted by past cannabis-related arrests.
These bills expanding the farmers’ market program will be welcomed by the wider cannabis industry, including Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF), as they give operators in New York State more leeway to reach their customers.
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