NY OCM Spring 2026 Update: Still Couching Success In $ Terms As Lead Indicator Of Health | Cannabis Law Report | How to buy Skittles Moonrock online
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Good afternoon New Yorkers,
March marks a defining moment for New York’s cannabis market. Five years after the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), the state has surpassed $3 billion in legal retail sales and 600+ dispensary openings—reflecting both the scale and staying power of the regulated market.
In this next phase of phase of growth, the Office is focused on protecting consumers, expanding equitable
Here’s a look at the milestones shaping #NYCannabis this month:
In This Issue:
Five Years of MRTA: $3 Billion Strong in Retail Sales
Five Years of MRTA: $3 Billion Strong in Retail Sales
OCM Team at the Joint Legislative Hearings in Albany, NY.
Five years after the MRTA, New York’s cannabis market has become one of the largest regulated markets in the country. With more than 600 dispensaries now operating statewide, this
These milestones reflect an industry designed to prioritize public health, support equity-driven participation, and reinvest in communities—while laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.
Safe Storage Giveaway: Protect What Matters
Safe Storage Giveaway: Protect What MattersAs part of National Poison Prevention Week, the Office is encouraging New Yorkers to practice safe cannabis storage at home through a limited-time giveaway.
Want a chance to win? Tell us how you practice safe storage for your cannabis products.
Giveaway closes Monday, 3/30 at 5PM.
Winners will be notified via email by Wednesday, 4/1.
Enforcement in Action: Protecting Consumers in Watertown
Enforcement in Action: Protecting Consumers in Watertown
Left to right: Sky High Tobacco & Convenience LLC (1222 Arsenal St, Watertown, NY), ordered sealed by OCM; illicit cannabis products seized during enforcement, including edibles packaged to resemble popular candy and snack brands; Jo Convenience (327 Factory St, Watertown, NY), issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).
The Office recently conducted a series of enforcement actions targeting illegal cannabis sales in Watertown. OCM investigators inspected multiple storefronts and took action against six illicit cannabis retailers, issuing Orders to Seal to three locations and Notices of Violation to three additional businesses. The actions resulted in the seizure of illegal cannabis products and required operators to immediately cease unlawful cannabis sales.
These efforts reflect OCM’s continued focus on protecting consumers, preventing youth access, and ensuring a fair market for licensed cannabis businesses operating in compliance with New York law.
Community Grants Reinvestment Fund (CGRF) Applications Now Open
Community Grants Reinvestment Fund (CGRF) Applications Now Open
The Office has launched the second round of CGRF applications, continuing New York’s commitment to reinvesting cannabis tax revenue into communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition.
The program supports youth-serving nonprofit organizations working in areas such as mental health, harm reduction, workforce development, housing, and substance use disorder.
This round introduces several updates including a new priority service area map, and a streamlined application process designed to reduce administrative barriers.
This funding round will make at least $5 million—and up to $15 million—available to eligible organizations, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.
3/5 #NYCCB Meeting Recap
At its March 5 meeting, the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) approved 20 new adult-use licenses, bringing the statewide total to 2,161 licensed adult-use businesses.
Forty-four percent of the adult-use applications recommended for approval at the meeting were Social and Economic Equity (SEE) applicants, representing
Consumer Safety Alert: Keystone State Testing Product Recall
Consumer Safety Alert: Keystone State Testing Product RecallThe Office issued a product recall for multiple adult-use cannabis products tested by Keystone State Testing New York after inspections and a records audit identified unreliable laboratory test results. The recall includes 54 product lots with inaccurate Aspergillus test results and one lot with incorrectly reported heavy metal results, meaning some products may not meet New York’s safety standards.
No adverse health events have been reported, but the recall was issued as a precautionary consumer safety measure. Consumers who purchased affected products are encouraged to check product lot numbers and return unused items to the retail dispensary where they were purchased.
Medical Cannabis Program Updates Now in Effect
Medical Cannabis Program Updates Now in EffectNew changes to New York’s Medical Cannabis Program took effect on February 19, and are designed to improve patient access, streamline provider participation, and modernize New York’s medical cannabis framework. Key updates include:
- Longer patient certifications — Practitioner certifications may now be valid for up to two years, unless a shorter period is specified.
- Updated possession limits — Certified patients and caregivers may now possess up to a 60-day supply or up to 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis, whichever is greater.
- Expanded caregiver eligibility — Patients may now designate caregivers who are 18 years of age or older.
- Interstate patient access — Medical cannabis patients from other U.S. jurisdictions may now purchase medical cannabis products in New York with proof of certification and valid ID.
- Updated practitioner and dispensing requirements — The law removes certain Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) consultation requirements previously applied to practitioners and registered organizations.
Get Involved: Two Ways to Be Part of OCM’s 2026 Campaign
Get Involved: Two Ways to Be Part of OCM’s 2026 CampaignOCM is inviting New Yorkers to help shape an upcoming youth and family education campaign.
You can submit:
- Photos featuring real teens, families, and trusted adults that reflect everyday connection and conversation
- Artwork from young New Yorkers (18 and under) exploring the theme: What does wellness mean to you?
Selected submissions may be featured in materials used across New York as part of #NYcannabis education efforts.
Submissions are due Thursday, April 30.
View full guidelines and submission details:
Upcoming Webinar: Water Circularity in Cannabis – Wed, 4/8
Upcoming Webinar: Water Circularity in Cannabis – Wed, 4/8Reducing use of and recycling water in your cannabis operation can be a great way to mitigate the environmental impact of your operation and potentially lower your water bill.
Join the OCM, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Resource Innovation Institute (RII) for a free 60-minute webinar covering best practices in reduction, remediation, and reuse of water for irrigation, climate control and sanitation.
Public Listening Sessions on Adult-Use Cannabis Regulations
Public Listening Sessions on Adult-Use Cannabis RegulationsThe Office is launching its first public listening sessions on adult-use cannabis regulations as New York’s legal cannabis market surpasses $3 billion in sales. These sessions will include discussions on licensing and application processes, ownership and operational requirements, municipal notification procedures, social and economic equity provisions, and general business and operating standards for cannabis licensees.
Public feedback gathered during these sessions will help guide potential regulatory updates as the Office continues strengthening New York’s regulated cannabis market.
Upcoming Listening Sessions:
Buffalo
Tuesday, April 14 • 9AM – 12PM
Buffalo
9AM – 12PMBrooklyn
Wednesday, April 22 • 6PM – 9PM
6PM – 9PM Get Ready to Network & Learn About Cannabis Careers with NYSDOL
Get Ready to Network & Learn About Cannabis Careers with NYSDOLNetworking is one of the most effective ways to get career guidance, make professional connections, and gain insider knowledge about job opportunities. By building relationships and expanding your knowledge, you can raise your visibility in New York’s cannabis industry.
Get started by attending a cannabis networking event, found on platforms such as Eventbrite or LinkedIn. You can also check out New York State Department of Labor’s Networking Tips, Tricks & Techniques.
Networking Virtual Workshop
Thursday, April 2 • 11AM – 12PM
11AM – 12PMBeyond Job Searches: Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships. Join us for an approachable journey to networking.
Cannabis Careers Information Session
Wednesday, April 29 • 11AM – 12PM
Meet with the CEED team to ask questions, explore cannabis career opportunities, and learn about the NYS Department of Labor’s no-cost job seeker services.
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