Bill > S08278

This bill amends the cannabis law to establish strict regulations for the proximity and location of licensed adult-use cannabis dispensaries. Specifically, the bill mandates that dispensaries must be at least 1,000 feet apart in municipalities with populations of 20,000 or more, and at least 2,000 feet apart in municipalities with populations under 20,000. The bill also creates a detailed process for potential waivers to these proximity requirements, which involves multiple procedural safeguards. These include requiring the Cannabis Control Board to issue public notices, conduct quantitative analyses of the potential impact, consult with local municipalities, hold public hearings, and provide opportunities for affected licensees to submit comments and appeal decisions. The waiver process includes strict limitations, such as prohibiting waivers if illegal retail cannabis stores are operating nearby, preventing waivers that reduce the distance by more than 5%, protecting dispensaries that have been operational for less than three years, and limiting each licensee to only one proximity protection waiver. The bill aims to regulate the cannabis dispensary market by preventing oversaturation and ensuring fair competition while providing a transparent mechanism for potential exceptions to the distance requirements.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8278