Bill > S09155

This bill amends the cannabis law to change the rules about where retail adult-use cannabis dispensaries can be located in relation to schools and houses of worship. Specifically, it establishes new proximity requirements: dispensaries cannot be on the same street and within 500 feet of a school, and they cannot be on the same street and within 200 feet of a building exclusively used as a house of worship. The measurements are taken from the center of the nearest entrance of the dispensary to the center of the nearest entrance of the school or house of worship. The bill also clarifies what constitutes an "entrance" and provides exceptions for incidental uses within a house of worship that do not detract from its primary religious character, such as fundraising events or community support meetings. Importantly, renewals of existing licenses will not be denied based on these new proximity rules, and the location compliance for applications will be determined based on the date the location was submitted, with some exceptions for applicants who were previously advised their location complied.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9155