New York Office of Cannabis Management Releases Key Updates on Sales and Equity

In a recent press release the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) provided updates on the state’s cannabis market and social equity initiatives (1,2). The organization reported that the Big Apple state’s retail cannabis sales hit $2.09 billion since the program first began and as of this year, has brought in $1.06 billion in revenue. For the second consecutive month, it was disclosed that sales per store have rebounded, which signifies that consumer demand is rising, as well as market stability.¹ As of their recent press release, New York has 464 legal dispensaries open and operating all over the state.

“As we aim to maintain our commitment to ensuring equity in the licensing process, OCM is equally attuned to ensuring that SEE licensees have the necessary resources and supportive services to enable longevity in the market,” said Simone Washington, Chief Equity Officer of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (1). “Their long-term sustainability is a marker of our collective success. The current slate of SEE programs is designed to meet the needs of SEE licensees at every stage of the business development cycle.”

Washington unveiled in the press release the Social & Economic Equity (SEE) update which explained that of the 46 adult-use licenses issued on September 9, 2025, 69% were awarded to SEE applicants, including (1):

1. Community Disproportionately Impacted (CDI): 14%
2. Minority-Owned Businesses: 43%
3. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses: 7%
4. Women-Owned Businesses: 31%

Additionally, the SEE department commented on the CAURD Grant Program which consists of 159 awardees throughout all 10 Empire State Development regions and has completed three rounds of distributed funds so far (1). SEE also discussed future resources that will be available “s to support licensees, including a financial planning tool for microbusinesses, an online resource library with educational materials, and continued efforts by the SDVOB Taskforce to expand veteran engagement,” (1).

The OCM is working currently on a Loan Fund and Loan Loss Reserve Program that can offer financial support to SEE applicants and also unveiled the Legal + Learning Access Partnership with CUNY Law and SUNY, which will provide free educational resources, as well as free legal services for SEE applicants and licensees.

Nearing the end of their press release, OCM reminded that all licensed cultivators needed to submit their PowerScore reports that were due on August 31, 2025 (1). For those that missed the deadline, cultivators are still able to log in and submit their reports via the PowerScore platform.

Approved Adult-Use Licenses

The OCM announced that the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) had approved 46 additional adult-use cannabis licenses. The Big Apple state now has a total number of 1,904 licenses issued (2).

According to the press release, the 46 cannabis licenses include (2):

• Adult-Use Cultivator License: 8

• Adult-Use Distributor License: 4

• Adult-Use Microbusiness License: 4

• Adult-Use Processor License: 14

• Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License: 12

• CAURD Final Licensure: 4

“Our work extends far beyond issuing licenses and setting regulations, it’s about shaping a cannabis industry that truly reflects the values of New York,” said Jessica García, Chair of the Cannabis Control Board (2). “Every decision we make is rooted in equity, transparency, and a long-term vision for a thriving market. Together with OCM, we are building a system that communities can trust, one that creates opportunity, protects public health, and ensures this industry serves every corner of our state for generations to come.”

References

1. https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/09/september-2025-ccb-release.pdf (accessed Sep 16, 2025).
2. Colli, M. How is the New York Cannabis Control Board shaping the state’s market? https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/how-is-the-new-york-cannabis-control-board-shaping-the-state-s-market (accessed Sep 16, 2025).