Recent updates in New York state’s cannabis laws indicate progress in the licensing of retail cannabis businesses. On Tuesday, an appeals court decision limited the impact of a temporary injunction that had halted licensing in several regions. As a result, the state is now able to issue licenses for retail cannabis sales in Brooklyn, Central NY, the mid-Hudson region, and Western NY, although the Finger Lakes region is still excluded.

While the state is finalizing regulations for its recreational cannabis market, it has been awarding licenses under the conditional adult-use retail dispensary (CAURD) program. Overall, these developments suggest that New York’s cannabis industry is moving forward despite some legal setbacks. Within the upcoming months we should see new recreational dispensaries open throughout our region and most of New York State. The state Cannabis Control Board has licensed 66 retail locations so far, with more expected at the board’s next meeting at 10 a.m. Monday at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn.

Governor Hochul released a statement Tuesday regarding the restrictions lift:

“New York’s brand-new cannabis industry is making significant progress to promote social equity and right the wrongs of the past, creating the fairest and safest market in the nation. I am pleased that a federal appellate court has limited an injunction in favor of the State of New York in the matter of Variscite NY One, Inc. v. Office of Cannabis Management, et al. This decision will allow New York’s social equity entrepreneurs to open safe, regulated cannabis dispensaries in Central New York, Western New York, the Mid-Hudson Region, and Brooklyn. For the first time, New Yorkers in nearly every region of the state will have access to safer, high-quality, adult-use cannabis products. I am committed to ensuring New York continues to lead the nation in our safe equitable approach to the cannabis market.”

Bison Botanics is looking forward to bringing our premium THC products to recreational cannabis dispensaries in our region as soon as they become available. While we wait for these dispensaries to open, you can enjoy our high-quality CBD products by visiting our Kenmore NY store location or ordering online. Currently, our THC products are exclusively available at the Housing Works Cannabis Co. and Union Square Travel Agency dispensaries in Manhattan. However, as more dispensaries open across New York state, we’re excited to expand our reach and make our products more widely available.