The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) celebrated the opening of the Empire State’s 200th adult-use retail dispensary. Owner of High Society, Belinda McPhee, was joined in Hudson Falls by officials from the Office of Cannabis Management to mark this achievement and recognize the continued expansion and rapid expansion of the legal industry.
Since March 2021, New York has approved 1,030 licenses, including 986 this year. In the last 60 days, 50 adult-use dispensaries have opened across the state.
High Society, owned by an experienced local entrepreneur, Belinda McPhee, is the first dispensary to open in Washington County and joins a growing network of licensees contributing to New York’s record-breaking equity-based ownership model. This latest opening reflects what the state says is its ongoing commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive cannabis market that offers meaningful opportunities for underrepresented groups as envisioned by the state’s enabling legislation.
“New York is continuing to make progress in building the strongest, most equitable cannabis market in the nation,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Today’s milestone is a testament to the hard work of OCM and the other State agencies that helped streamline the licensing process, shut down illegal storefronts, and transform New York’s cannabis industry.”
“Today’s milestone represents the strength and resilience of New York’s cannabis industry, driven by equity and opportunity for all. With the opening of our 200th Adult-Use Retail Dispensary, we are making tangible progress toward a more inclusive and thriving market. I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated entrepreneurs like Belinda McPhee, who are breaking barriers and building a cannabis community that reflects the diversity and spirit of New York,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the New York Office of Cannabis Management.
In April, Governor Hochul introduced new measures to address unlicensed cannabis operations, aiming to support the legal marketplace as part of the FY25 Enacted Budget. This initiative empowers the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local municipalities to take action against unauthorized storefronts and those who facilitate them. These measures represent a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by the illicit cannabis market.
The State’s efforts to address unlicensed cannabis storefronts have positively influenced the legal cannabis industry. Since the authority for regulatory inspections was granted in May 2023, OCM and DTF have removed more than 27,000 pounds of illicit products, valued at approximately $120 million.
Overall, the cannabis market has achieved over $653 million in adult-use sales. A complete list of New York’s licensed, operational adult-use cannabis retailers can be found here.
There are currently 202 dispensaries open for business across the state.
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