Governor Kathy Hochul’s determined efforts to combat illegal cannabis operations in New York have gained even more momentum with a new multi-agency initiative authorized as part of the 2024 Budget. The State aims to curtail the sale of untested cannabis from unlicensed shops through comprehensive inspections and enforcement actions. Additionally, New York City Council’s unanimous passing of a new bill now prohibits landlords from knowingly leasing commercial spaces to stores selling unlicensed marijuana or tobacco products, further strengthening the crackdown on illicit cannabis sales.Continue Reading Second-Hand Smoke: New York’s Crackdown on Illegal Cannabis Sales Extends to Landlords

Adult-use cannabis legalization was passed in New York State when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (the “MRTA”) into law on March 31, 2021, after the Governor had previously attempted to include the legalization of adult-use cannabis in his last three budget proposals. The MRTA is expected to create significant economic opportunities for New Yorkers and
Continue Reading A High Tax State – New York’s Potency Tax on Adult-Use Cannabis

On March 31, 2021, New York legalized the recreational use of cannabis, enacting “The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.”

This new law legalizes personal possession of cannabis, home cultivation of cannabis, and allows for the expungement of certain marijuana convictions. Importantly, it also modifies New York Labor Law to impose new restrictions on employers.

New York’s cannabis law
Continue Reading New York: Legalized Recreational Use of Cannabis & New Protections for Employees

With the spread of COVID-19 fears, states and cities nationwide are in the process of issuing a variety of executive orders and other ordinances shutting down businesses that are considered “non-essential.”  However, what is considered “essential” differs by state and locality.  Across the board, these laws have included healthcare services as “essential.” The question many have is whether marijuana dispensaries
Continue Reading Marijuana Dispensaries – Are They Essential Services?