New York has expanded opportunities for licensed cannabis microbusinesses and dispensaries to sell regulated products at approved pop-ups, farmers markets and public market events.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S.10113/A.11217 on Thursday, making microbusinesses eligible to participate fully in Cannabis Showcase Events permitted by the state Office of Cannabis Management.
The events allow licensed operators to sell directly to consumers outside their regular retail locations while working with local municipalities. State officials said the change is intended to give smaller operators more ways to market products and build customer relationships.
Microbusinesses often combine cultivation, processing, distribution and retail operations under one license. Supporters of the law said those businesses can struggle to compete with larger operators that have bigger marketing budgets and broader retail access.
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, a sponsor of the legislation, said showcase events can help small cannabis farms reach consumers with products grown in New York. Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said the measure gives microbusinesses another competitive tool.
Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director John Kagia said the change will allow craft cannabis businesses to present their products at events across the state. The law applies to approved showcase events rather than unrestricted sales.
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