New York said its legal cannabis market continues to gain momentum in early 2026.
The state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) said total sales recently reached $2.97 billion, with nearly $250 million generated through the first three weeks of February alone.
As sales expand, so too does the state's licensed ecosystem. At the March 5 Board meeting, the New York Cannabis Control Board considered 20 adult-use applications for licensure, 79 adult-use renewals, 38 license amendments, 4 CAURD applications for licensure, and 26 CAURD renewals.
To date, New York has issued 2,161 adult-use licenses total licenses:
- 245 cultivators
- 232 distributors
- 321 microbusinesses
- 532 processors
- 506 retail dispensaries
Of all adult-use licenses issued statewide, 56 percent have been awarded to SEE applicants. In addition, the state has 325 active CAURD licensees.
“These figures demonstrate that equity participation remains foundational to the structure of New York’s cannabis market,” said Simone Washington, Chief Equity Officer of the Office of Cannabis Management. “As the industry continues to evolve, our focus is on ensuring that equity is sustained across every license type and that businesses from disproportionately impacted communities have the support and regulatory clarity needed to operate successfully and competitively.”
Among the 16 adult-use applications recommended for approval at last week's meeting, eight — representing 44 percent — are SEE applicants. This cohort includes Community Disproportionately Impacted, distressed farmer, minority-owned, and women-owned, with equity representation across cultivation, distribution, microbusiness, processing, and retail categories.
To date there are 599 legal dispensaries open for business across the Empire State.
