Politics
New York Governor Signs Bill To Allow Small Businesses To Sell Marijuana At Farmers’ Markets
The governor of New York has signed legislation clarifying that marijuana microbusinesses can fully participate in cannabis farmers’ markets and pop-up events.
Under previous law, microbusiness licensees were only authorized to sell their own products at the events, which are called “Cannabis Showcase Events” under state rules. Now, because of the new measure signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Thursday, they will be able to fully participate in the events as cultivators, processors and retailers.
“This new law gives licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market,” Hochul said in a press release. “By opening the door for legal operators to sell at approved community events and farmer’s markets we are putting small entrepreneurs on a level playing field, expanding consumer access to safer, regulated products and strengthening one of New York’s fastest growing industries.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D), who sponsored the Senate version of the now-enacted legislation said that “cannabis microbusiness are often small farms without big marketing budgets or easy access to retail markets.”
“Showcase events, like farm markets, give these small businesses a perfect way to reach consumers with their homegrown products,” she said. “With summer here and New Yorkers excited to shop outside, it’s critical that cannabis microbusinesses can participate in showcase events alongside retailers and other licensees—and our legislation makes that possible.”
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D), who championed the Assembly version of the bill, said it “ensures that NY’s cannabis microbusinesses can participate in Showcase Events occurring across the state.”
“I’d like to thank the Governor for recognizing the importance of supporting these small businesses by signing our legislation today,” she said “They need every competitive advantage in order to market their products, build brand awareness and develop long-term community connections.”
A justification memo attached to S10113 and A11217, the legislation signed by the governor, says that “allowing microbusinesses the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the cannabis showcase event will help small farmers compete and give them a new opportunity to sell cannabis products at approved events.”
In May, the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) began accepting applications from licensed dispensaries that want to host temporary cannabis farmers’ markets and pop-up events.
“Regulated cannabis has proven to be an economic engine for New York, but the strength of this market lies in the businesses operating across the supply chain,” OCM Executive Director John Kagia said on Thursday.
“The governor signing this bill secures a critical opportunity for the microbusinesses building New York’s craft cannabis ecosystem to showcase their products at events across the state,” he said. “This bill advances equitable, inclusive opportunity for our small businesses, and we thank the Governor, Senate and Assembly for their continued commitment to strengthening New York’s cannabis market.”
The launch of applications this year followed the enactment of earlier legislation signed by Hochul last year that built on an existing showcase program that was first created in 2023. The state Cannabis Control Board (CCB) adopted regulations for the events program that is now rolling out last May.
Under state rules, cannabis events are limited to people over 21 years of age and need to have written approval from local officials; advanced application submission to OCM and compliance with distance requirements from schools, places of worship and designated public youth facilities. Organizers must also submit safety, security and incident reporting plans.
On-site marijuana consumption is not allowed, nor are free samples or giveaways of cannabis products.
Sales at events can only be conducted by the licensed retailer that holds the event permit, while cultivators and processors that participate can showcase products without selling anything directly to attendees or providing samples.
Cannabis events can last for up to 14 consecutive days under the rules, with each venue limited to hosting events no more than 45 days during a calendar year.
In March, the governor marked the five-year anniversary of adult-use marijuana legalization in New York, highlighting $3.3 billion in retail sales, the opening of more than 600 licensed cannabis shops and achievements in promoting social equity in the industry while taking steps to mitigate the illicit market.
In January, New York officials released a set of reports providing a 2025 end-of-year status update on the evolution of the state’s medical and adult-use marijuana markets—touting record sales, revenue hauls for state coffers, licensing approvals, equity initiatives and more.
The OCM annual report also notes that Hochul signed legislation into law that expands the state’s medical cannabis program by improving patient access and “updating the program framework to better meet patient needs statewide.”
Meanwhile, a coalition of New York marijuana businesses are asking the governor to veto legislation that would create a new Cannabis Wage Board charged with recommending minimum hourly wages for industry workers.
The proposal would “create significant uncertainty for operators at a time when many are finally beginning to find their footing after years of regulatory delays, capital constraints, and continued competition from the illicit market,” an action alert sent by the Cannabis Association of New York (CANY) said.
—
Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
—
Separatlely, New York senators recently approved a bill related to reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana patients and the availability of pre-rolled joints in the medical cannabis market—even though the state has already enacted those reforms separately.
In February, the sponsor of the bill separately introduced legislation that would allow New York liquor and wine stores to obtain a permit to sell low-dose cannabis-infused drinks at their businesses.
Also, the governor recently signed legislation into law that revises zoning requirements for licensed marijuana businesses, granting more flexibility to retailers located within certain distances of schools and places of worship.
