October 2025 Member Newsletter
Thank you for being one of the first founding allies of the Empire State Green Standard Alliance.
As part of your membership, you will receive an email like this from us once a month. Our goal is for this email to give you and all New York State cannabis consumers the news you can use, in case you missed it.
All we ask is that you spread the word, use your voice, and encourage your friends to join the Alliance!
FYI - The New York State Cannabis Control Board will hold its next public meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Andrew Freedman Home, Princess Room, 1125 Grand Concourse in the Bronx.
The meeting is open to the public, though seating will be limited, and attendees are encouraged to pre-register to help with check-in; however, registration is not required to view the meeting via livestream here.
Sincerely,
Herb Barbot, Chair
Last month:
The New York State Supreme Court in Albany issued a preliminary injunction in the school proximity lawsuit. The case involves cannabis dispensary operators challenging how regulators measure the distance between dispensaries and schools. The judge ruled that, until February 15, 2026, the New York State Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Cannabis Management must follow the method described in their March 11, 2024 guidance for calculating those distances. This requirement applies both to license renewals expiring before that date and to any new or pending dispensary applications filed on or before February 15, 2026. The injunction automatically ends on that date unless modified earlier by the court. Other parts of the petitioners’ requests were denied for now, though they may reapply after January 15, 2026. The court did not award fees, costs, or penalties to either side, making the ruling a limited but important win for the dispensaries.
The NYS OCM published a bulletin addressed to all New York State Adult-Use cannabis licensees and announced that the state is moving to fully adopt Metrc as its official seed-to-sale (STS) tracking system by the end of December 2025. It also notes that further communications, virtual and in-person events, and announcements will be shared via the OCM’s STS webpage and the Metrc NY Partner Page. Registrations for upcoming events will be shared through those web pages and via email to business administrators. For questions, licensees are directed to reach out via STS@ocm.ny.gov. The “Welcome to Metrc NYS Implementation – September 2025” document introduces Metrc as New York State’s new seed-to-sale cannabis tracking system, highlighting its role in ensuring compliance, transparency, and industry support. It outlines the implementation timeline from October through December 2025, including credentialing, tag ordering, webinars, virtual and in-person events, inventory tagging, and API access. The bulletin provides first-weeks checklists tailored to license types—such as testing facilities, distributors, cultivators, processors, retailers, and vertically integrated businesses—covering tasks like training, ordering unique identifiers, setting up business information, assigning administrator roles, and preparing standard operating procedures. Finally, it details available support resources, including Metrc Learn with 300+ on-demand courses, extensive documentation, the Metrc Expert tool, support lines, and a knowledge base to assist licensees through the transition. All licensees must appoint an STS Administrator for each license to manage Metrc accounts. Duties include system setup, tag purchasing, user management, and compliance reporting. The same person may cover multiple licenses. A mandatory survey must be completed by October 7, 2025.
The Charlie Fox cannabis dispensary in Southampton opened last month without the necessary town approvals to occupy its building on County Road 39, near Tuckahoe School. Soon after announcing on Instagram that it was “open for business,” the dispensary was served with a cease-and-desist order by town code enforcement. While the company promoted walk-in, pickup, and delivery services through its website, staff at the location described the launch as only a “soft opening.” Owners Julia Levi and James Mallios maintain that their retail license from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is sufficient to operate. They note that the OCM rejected Southampton Town’s objections and gave them clearance in August. However, they have not applied for the local site plan approvals required for all businesses. The Southampton town board voted unanimously to file an injunction in New York state court to close the high-end cannabis store, arguing it lacked the required ‘special permit’ to operate.
Spectrum News highlighted that New York’s state government and law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts against illegal cannabis dispensaries, using recently enacted “padlock laws” that give the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) expanded powers. These laws allow OCM to immediately shut down unlicensed shops, force landlords to evict tenants using their properties for illicit dispensaries, and hold building owners accountable. Licensed dispensaries like Lifted in Jamestown support the crackdown, pointing out that it levels the playing field and ensures safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. However, law enforcement notes that enforcement remains challenging in some areas, especially downstate, due to limited staffing and resources. Authorities also mention an uptick in cannabis‐impaired driving arrests, with challenges in proving specific substances in such cases. Licensed operators stress the importance of responsible use, keeping products out of reach of minors, and discouraging consumption while driving.
The NYS OCM published a Licensed Hemp Producers list which identifies 110 licensed hemp operations across the state. These producers are spread widely across counties including Albany, Ulster, Erie, Suffolk, Onondaga, and Columbia, with many being small farms or LLCs as well as several higher-education and research institutions such as Cornell and SUNY campuses. Licenses cover a range of business activities, with the most common being hemp grown for CBD, fiber, and grain or food. Some producers also specialize in seed stock, nurseries, or microgreens, while others operate under research designations for academic or institutional purposes. Notably, certain operations are licensed exclusively for fiber and grain or food production, without CBD cultivation. The document includes contact information for each producer and defines categories such as “CBD Growing” for cannabidiol extraction, “Grain and Fiber Growing” for non-CBD purposes, and “Research” for academic projects conducted under special oversight.
The OCM announced they are collaborating with Northwell Health to present the 2nd Annual Medical Cannabis Symposium: Cannabinoids in Clinical Practice on November 6–7 at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY. The program includes a certification course for new practitioners, a reception with a fireside chat, CME opportunities (up to 4.75 credits), and keynote sessions with leaders such as Ethan Nadelmann, JD, PhD and Bonni Goldstein, MD. Registration is $250, with reduced rates for fellows, residents, and students. Attendees will deepen their understanding of cannabis science, therapeutic potential, and clinical applications while networking with experts and peers.
Ashley Southall came out with an eye-opening story about legal cannabis testing in New York. New York’s legal cannabis market relies on 14 private labs to test products for potency and contaminants, but experts warn the system is unreliable and could put consumers at risk. The New York Times found discrepancies between lab results and product labels, with some cannabis vapes and joints sold in licensed dispensaries containing unsafe levels of pesticides, arsenic, or mold, or far less THC than advertised. Although consumers can scan packaging for testing certificates, inconsistent methods and equipment mean two labs can produce conflicting results that are both technically valid. Industry experts, including Johns Hopkins researcher Ryan Vandrey, stress that contaminated cannabis—often smoked—can cause serious health issues, such as lung infections and organ damage. Aspergillus mold is a particular concern, yet several busy New York labs reported zero findings, raising questions about accuracy. Regulators are investigating Omnium Health, a Long Island facility linked to mislabeled products, and have already suspended some sales. The Office of Cannabis Management acknowledges problems and is planning a state-run reference lab to double-check private testing. Similar testing scandals have occurred in other states, where some labs were shut down. Experts say stronger oversight, better-trained scientists, and consistent standards are needed to protect public health.
New York State has finalized regulations for cannabis showcase events, creating a new way for consumers to discover products and connect with the cannabis community. At these events, licensed cultivators and processors can present their offerings, while a licensed retailer handles all sales. This means consumers will be able to explore a wider variety of brands and products in one place, often in settings like farmers’ markets or community pop-ups. It’s important to note that on-site consumption is prohibited—so while you can’t sample before you buy, you’ll have access to transparent pricing, clear labeling, and educational programming designed to help you make informed choices. Showcase events may also feature food vendors, performances, and community engagement, creating a festival-like atmosphere without the consumption component. For consumers, this adds a new layer of access and discovery: more opportunities to learn, shop, and experience cannabis culture in regulated, community-oriented environments. While the temporary nature of these events means they won’t always be available in the same locations, they offer a fresh way to engage with the market and stay connected to new and emerging brands. The Public comment period began on September 24, 2025 and it ends on November 24, 2025. Comments on the proposed regulations can be submitted by email to regulations@ocm.ny.gov or mailed to: New York State Office of Cannabis Management, P.O. Box 2071, Albany, NY 12220.
New York regulators released updated proposed rules for cannabis packaging, labeling, marketing, and advertising. While the regulations remain strict, the new draft makes some important changes you should know about:
Advertising definition expanded – Ads now include merchandise, sponsorships, loyalty programs, discounts, bundled deals, and even murals or street art. If you’re promoting your brand in any creative way, it likely counts as advertising.
Youth appeal restrictions clarified – Labels, packaging, and ads cannot use cartoons, mascots, bubble-style fonts, or neon colors that could appeal to people under 21.
Sustainability requirements – A new section requires all processors to have a packaging sustainability program. Packaging must incorporate recycled content (with limited exemptions), and proof of compliance will be checked at license renewal.
Labeling flexibility – If a required label element is missing, processors can now correct it instead of recalling the entire product, though penalties may still apply.
Marketing rules tightened – All ads must clearly display the licensee’s name and license number. Billboards are heavily restricted, and ads can’t feature imagery, music, or voices that appeal to children.
Third-party accountability – If a vendor, sponsor, or other partner misuses your branding, you are responsible for addressing it quickly and notifying regulators.
Enforcement clarity – The Office can order ads pulled immediately, issue penalties, or suspend licenses for non-compliance, but has also clarified procedures for handling lower-risk violations more flexibly.
These updates broaden what counts as advertising, tighten restrictions on youth-appealing designs, add new sustainability requirements, and clarify enforcement. You should review packaging, labeling, and marketing practices now to prepare for compliance once these rules are finalized. Comments on the proposed regulations are due by October 10th and can be submitted by email to regulations@ocm.ny.gov.
There was a Cannabis Control Board meeting in Albany in September. The CCB approved 4 new cultivator licenses, 4 distributor licenses, 4 microbusiness licenses, 4 processor licenses, 10 type-3 processor licenses, 11 dispensary licenses, and 4 conditional dispensary licenses. The Board also:
Approved relocation changes for licensees including 4 dispensary relocations
Approved a few Public Convenience and Advantage (PCA) waivers (PCA Waiver guidance will be released soon)
Extended all CAURD and adult-use retail dispensary provisional licenses through December 31, 2026
The CCB also approved a 2-page Provisional License guidance for CAURD and adult-use retail dispensaries. Provisional licenses allow applicants 12 months to secure a viable retail location but do not authorize cannabis activity. At the September 9, 2025 meeting, the Board extended all provisional licenses—including expired ones and those issued through December 30, 2025—until December 31, 2026. To advance, licensees must submit a post-selection application with proof of control over their proposed location via the NY Business Express portal. If submitted by the deadline, applications will continue to be processed even past 2026; however, failure to submit will cause the license to expire with no further opportunity to move forward. The Board emphasized this is likely the final blanket extension, with only limited case-by-case exceptions possible.
And the CCB voted to establish the Cannabis Education Advisory Panel (CEAP)This statewide body of experts will advise the Office of Cannabis Management on developing, reviewing, and evaluating cannabis education resources. Its role is to ensure that public education campaigns are evidence-based, accurate, equitable, and aligned with best practices in public health, adolescent development, and substance use prevention. The CEAP will guide messaging, tone, and evaluation of materials, promote transparency and accountability, and foster community trust by ensuring representation and inclusivity, particularly for campaigns aimed at youth and their caregivers. Last but not least, Kevin Brennan presented another insightful Market Update as well (slides here and below).
Massachusetts is on the verge of finalizing cannabis social consumption rules, with the Cannabis Control Commission accepting public comment through September 8. The draft framework includes three license types: supplemental permits for dispensaries adding on-site use, hospitality licenses for non-cannabis venues such as cafés or yoga studios, and event organizer licenses for temporary gatherings. Safeguards include ventilation standards, serving limits, cooling-down areas, and transportation plans to ensure consumer safety. If adopted, Massachusetts would become the 11th state to allow social consumption. In contrast, New York has legalized cannabis but has not yet issued regulations governing on-site consumption, leaving operators and consumers waiting for clarity. New Jersey, meanwhile, permits consumption lounges under limited conditions, creating a patchwork of approaches across the region. Massachusetts’ model could set a competitive benchmark in the Northeast, influencing regulatory decisions in NY and shaping how both states expand hospitality-driven cannabis opportunities.
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued a Notice of Pleading against Long Island-based Lexachrom Laboratory after inspections and audits revealed serious regulatory violations. Failures in data integrity and reporting jeopardized public health, including a recall of cannabis products that tested positive for pesticides after passing Lexachrom’s review. Although the lab surrendered its permit, OCM seeks a three-year industry ban, fines of $890,000 to over $2 million, and a formal closure plan. OCM emphasized that testing labs are essential to consumer safety, transparency, and market integrity, pledging strict enforcement to protect New Yorkers.
Watertown, New York, has decided to reverse its earlier stance and opt back into the state’s cannabis dispensary program, becoming the 19th municipality to do so. When New York legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, many communities, including Watertown, initially opted out due to concerns about safety, regulation, and uncertainty about how dispensaries would operate. Local leaders now say those fears have eased, pointing to strict security requirements, state oversight, and evidence that dispensaries are operating safely elsewhere. Another factor in the shift is financial. While revenue projections remain modest, opting in allows Watertown to capture tax dollars and keep cannabis sales local rather than losing them to nearby communities. Officials also noted potential economic development benefits, such as attracting businesses and jobs. Despite the decision, residents should not expect immediate dispensaries.
The Office of Cannabis Management sent an email to licensees that has clarified that while cannabis showcase events were recently authorized by law, permits cannot be issued until the Cannabis Control Board adopts regulations and completes a public comment process. In the meantime, licensees must follow current rules: events outside a dispensary may only include educational programming or product showcases, with no consumption, sales, giveaways, or indirect sales (such as ticketing linked to cannabis access). Deliveries to event venues are highly restricted and must comply with all state delivery requirements. Within dispensaries, vendor tabling is allowed strictly for educational purposes, without compensation, incentives, giveaways, or consumption. The Office emphasized that violations may result in fines, penalties, or license impacts, and it will continue inspections to ensure compliance. Draft regulations for event permits will be released for public comment soon, with updates available through the Cannabis Control Board.
Recreational cannabis has been legal in New York for over four years (medicinal for over nine), but doctors say that while some benefits—like easing chronic pain, nausea from chemo, sleep aid, and anxiety relief—are becoming clearer, many long-term impacts are still unknown. Short-term negatives are more evident: heavy frequent users are developing cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (severe nausea, vomiting, and cramping that can last days). Other concerns include effects on blood pressure, heart rate, possible links to diabetes, and risks from edibles—especially accidental ingestion by children. Experts recommend low and slow dosing, knowing your limits, and buying from regulated sources.
Scientists have for the first time uncovered which exact chemicals give cannabis strains their distinct smells. While cannabis produces hundreds of tiny compounds, only a few actually shape what our noses notice. Researchers identified 52 key odor compounds — 38 of them never before reported in dried cannabis, and six completely new to cannabis overall. Each scent, like sweaty, popcorn, earthy, floral, or citrus, was tied to specific chemicals. This first-of-its-kind discovery lays the groundwork for breeding cannabis strains with custom aromas, similar to how wine and coffee are crafted for their signature flavors.
And finally, the Empire State Green Standard Alliance (GSA) launched New York’s first statewide cannabis consumer advocacy group. Its mission is to protect and empower consumers by advancing safety, education, and fair policy, ensuring products are safe, honestly labeled, fairly priced, and locally sourced. The launch comes amid investigations and state reports highlighting unsafe products, illicit sourcing, and market challenges. GSA plans to tackle six key issues: illicit market competition, limited retail access, high prices, surplus supply risks, slow social equity progress, and weak consumer awareness. Led by experienced cannabis policy, legal, and advocacy experts, the Alliance will run public education campaigns, push for policy reforms, and promote equity dispensaries. A billboards campaign began statewide in mid-September, with a white paper release planned for October. The Alliance Board of Directors are Herb Barbot, Mark Wagner, Joseph Levey, Linda Baldwin and Tiffany Walters.
Here is some other NY cannabis news you may have missed last month:
Short-term residual effects of smoked cannabis on simulated driving performance | Psychopharmacology
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management Participates in the Cornell Cannabis Field Day
California-based cannabis brand Jeeter officially launches in New York | amNewYork
In Praise of Cannabis Advocates – Cannabis & Tech Today
St.Louis & KC marijuana advocates weigh in on proposed lounges
Cannabis use may quadruple diabetes risk | ScienceDaily
Watertown council votes to allow dispensaries to open
Cannabis retailer sues Southampton for pot-blocking dispensary | Long Island Business News
Cannabis regulators in New York pitch new packaging, advertising rules
Discover New York’s best oil, edible, and pre-roll brands [July 2025] | Leafly
Hemp shops gain legal tool to fight raids | Crain's New York Business
Largest cannabis study reveals dangers of self-medicating
California’s High Potency Cannabis is Fueling a ‘Cali Weed’ Trend in the UK - The New York Times
Cannabis May Help You Sleep Better, Researchers Say
N.Y. emergency rooms see spike in cannabis-related visits
New York surpasses $1B in legal marijuana sales, again | Crain's New York Business
Applications open for statewide panel on cannabis education
Jaunty’s Drew Cesario on Building New York’s #1 Vape Brand with Authenticity and Focus
NY cannabis CEO talks growth, challenges and Carmelo Anthony - Newsday
Empire Cannabis Clubs sues state over raids | Crain's New York Business
Black Cannabis Week Stops in Harlem
Pregnant Women Should Not Use Cannabis, New Medical Guidelines Say - The New York Times
Revelry 2025 Showcases New York Cannabis Market Momentum
Looking at smoking restrictions at NYS parks
Census Data Show New York Nearing Top States in Cannabis Tax Revenue - Cannabis Wire
New Syracuse dispensary to reinvest majority of profits locally
MJBowl Comes For New York Brands - Cannabis Industry Journal
NYC Bud is a scaled-down replica of Grand Central Station
CREATE Program gives New Yorkers a second chance
WATCH: State and local authorities shut down illegal weed shop | WSYR
USE YOUR VOICE!
The NYS Office of Cannabis Management is seeking public comment on their revised Packaging/Labeling/Manufacturing/Advertising regulations which have important implications for the NYS cannabis consumer. Comments on the PLMA regulations are due October 10th.
Public comments are also being sought on the cannabis showcase events regulations. Those comments are due November 24th.
Comments on the proposed regulations can be submitted by email to: regulations@ocm.ny.gov or mailed to: New York State Office of Cannabis Management, P.O. Box 2071, Albany, NY 12220.
They are public health hazards.
Cannabis Control Board Meeting Schedule
Monday, October 6th, 2025 – New York, NY
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Albany, NY
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – New York, NY
Make sure to watch/listen to the best podcast on the New York State cannabis industry, hosted by Herb Barbot
There are 494 legal dispensaries in New York State.
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