Bill > A07646

This bill enacts the "Cannabis Adult-Use Transition Act" to address challenges in New York's cannabis market by making several key changes. It increases the state cannabis advisory board from 13 to 17 voting members, expanding representation to include more diverse perspectives such as a retailer, certified patient, service-disabled veteran, and supply tier licensee. The bill allows currently registered medical cannabis organizations to obtain adult-use cannabis licenses, subject to a $20 million special licensing fee that will be used to fund social and economic equity programs. Registered organizations will be authorized to become adult-use cultivators, processors, distributors, and retail dispensaries, with a phased approach to opening dispensaries between December 2025 and April 2026. The legislation also provides more transparency and support for conditional adult-use retail dispensary licensees by requiring the office to approve location requests within 30 days and publicly list available lease addresses. Additionally, the bill modifies zoning restrictions for cannabis retail locations, maintaining existing setback requirements from schools and houses of worship while preventing additional restrictions. The overall aim is to jumpstart New York's cannabis market, support small businesses, promote social equity, and address implementation challenges faced by cannabis licensees.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7646