Title: Surge in Cannabis Retail Applications in Upstate New York Cities
Date: December 5, 2023
Description: Major upstate New York cities, including Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, are experiencing a flood of applications for cannabis retail dispensary permits. With the deadline for applications approaching on December 18, Rochester has received 50-60 applications, and Buffalo has seen 47. The influx reflects the growing interest in the cannabis retail market, but also poses challenges in terms of regulatory approval, zoning, and avoiding market oversaturation.
Source: New York Upstate
Title: NY Seizes 11,000 Pounds of Pot Worth Over $54M from Illegal Storefronts
Date: December 4, 2023
Description: New York authorities seized over 11,000 pounds of cannabis valued at more than $54 million from unlicensed storefronts, with Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration intensifying efforts to shut down illegal operators and prioritize safety and regulation in the state’s cannabis market.
Source: New York Post
Title: Settlement Agreement to Lift Injunction on Dispensaries
Date: December 2, 2023
Description: The Cannabis Control Board voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement that could end the injunction currently hindering the opening of hundreds of Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries. This injunction (mentioned in earlier updates) stemmed from a lawsuit filed by service-disabled veterans intending to apply for dispensary licenses. The proposed settlement, awaiting approval by NY State Supreme Court Judge Kevin Bryant, could significantly advance the retail aspect of New York’s cannabis industry.
Source: Spectrum Local News
Title: Possible Regulatory Violations by Medical Cannabis Companies
Date: November 20, 2023
Description: A report revealed that some medical cannabis companies and ancillary services might be violating state regulations by offering discounted registration appointments to medical patients. Companies like Leafwell and Curaleaf have been sending promotional emails to patients on their mailing lists, offering lower-cost telehealth certifications, raising questions about compliance with state advertising guidelines.
Source: Syracuse.com
Title: New Regulations for Cannabinoid Hemp
Date: November 18, 2023
Description: The Cannabis Control Board approved updated regulations for cannabinoid hemp, imposing strict limits on THC content. This follows a lawsuit that barred regulators from enforcing these limits through emergency regulation. The updated rules, now official regulations, can likely be enforced despite a court injunction that covered the emergency rules.
Source: Business of Cannabis
Title: New York State Senate Subcommittee on Cannabis Reevaluates Enforcement and Equity
Date: November 1, 2023
Description: Following a fact-finding hearing, members of the New York State Senate Subcommittee on Cannabis are reassessing enforcement, the state’s cannabis social equity investment fund, and other crucial aspects affecting the rollout of the legal cannabis market. This reevaluation comes after inputs from state cannabis regulators, law enforcement leaders, and adult-use licensees.
Source: New York State Senate
Title: Office of Cannabis Management’s Change in Nickel Limits
Date: November 9, 2023
Description: Aaron Leentjes, founder of UNIFI Group, discussed the Office of Cannabis Management’s decision to alter nickel limits for farmers. This change is expected to enable more cultivators to pass product testing and reach the market. However, it has caused frustration among some farmers whose previous harvests would have met the new standards but were instead discarded or converted to biomass.
Source: New York State Senate
Title: Push for a Cannabis Farmer Relief Fund in 2024
Date: November 6, 2023
Description: State Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo are advocating for a cannabis farmer relief fund in 2024. This initiative aims to support the approximately 200 cannabis farmers in New York who are currently facing severe financial hardships, including potential bankruptcy.
Source: New York Upstate
Title: Mental Health Crisis Among Licensed Growers
Date: October 28, 2023
Description: A survey by the Cannabis Farmers Alliance revealed many cannabis farmers in New York are facing financial ruin, mental health decline, and strained personal relationships.
Source: Syracuse.com
Holiday cheers to all!
Cheers,
Mike