Overview

New York State has launched Cannabis Conversationsto help you understand the facts on the Cannabis Law, important information on health and safety, and the opportunities the new industry will create. So let’s start talking to increase your knowledge on cannabis and help you make educated decisions. 


General Cannabis Information

What’s cannabis?

Cannabis sativa is a plant with many names – weed, pot, marijuana, hash – that can have psychoactive characteristics and is consumed recreationally and for medical purposes. Cannabis sativa is a versatile plant and has been used by people for thousands of years for medicinal, recreational, industrial, and food purposes. The cannabis plant has hundreds of chemical compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes.

What’s the difference between “cannabis” and “marijuana”?

Nothing. Under the Cannabis Law, the term cannabis is used instead of marijuana. Marijuana is a term that grew in popularity in the late 19th century to refer to cannabis and was historically used in a derogatory way towards certain ethnic groups. For this reason, the OCM is using the term cannabis to refer to marijuana and the term hemp to refer specifically to hemp. Under the Cannabis Law, “adult-use cannabis” is used to refer to non-medical cannabis.

Ok, but then what’s hemp?

“Hemp” and “adult-use cannabis” are different classifications of the cannabis plant. Hemp is used to classify varieties of cannabis that contain 0.3% or less THC. Adult-use cannabis and Medical cannabis are used to classify varieties of cannabis that contain more than 0.3% THC, which is known for its psychoactive effects (including a feeling of being high).

View more information about cultivating hemp in New York State.

View more information about processing, manufacturing or retailing cannabinoid hemp products in New York State.

What is THC?

The cannabis plant produces more than 100 different cannabinoids, which are natural compounds that can have different effects on the mind and body. Tetrahydrocannabinol known as “THC” and cannabidiol known as “CBD” are the most common. THC is known for its psychoactive effects (a feeling of being high).

What is CBD?

CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis. Many people who grow hemp, grow varieties that are high in CBD. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a “high” or psychoactive effect by itself.

Who will regulate the new cannabis industry in New York?

The Cannabis Law created the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which is governed by a 5-member appointed Cannabis Control Board to oversee and implement the Law. The OCM is created as an independent office. In general, the powers and duties of the Executive Director are to implement the day-to-day administration of the OCM and carry out any functions delegated to the Executive Director by the Cannabis Control Board. The Cannabis Law also establishes the role of a Chief Equity Officer in the OCM. The Chief Equity Officer is confirmed by the Board and is responsible for overseeing the social and economic equity initiatives of the OCM.

View more information about how cannabis will be regulated in New York State.


What’s Legal and What’s Illegal

It’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy, possess or use adult-use cannabis in New York. Just like alcohol and tobacco. Businesses must have an adult-use license to legally sell cannabis in New York and adult-use retail dispensaries can lose their license for selling cannabis to anyone underage and/or face significant fines and penalties. Adults can be charged with criminal penalties for selling or giving cannabis products to someone underage. Youth cannabis use has been found to have negative social, physical, and mental health impacts on youth whose brains are still growing and developing. Because of this, youth cannabis remains illegal for individuals under 21.
 

What is Legal?
  • It is legal for adults 21 years or older to possess 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of cannabis concentrate (edibles, oil).
  • It is legal for adults 21 years or older to use cannabis in a private home or in most places tobacco can be used, with the exception of use in a motor vehicle, a private business (such as a restaurant patio), a hookah or “cigar bar,” or on federal property.
  • It is legal for adults 21 years or older to “share” cannabis without compensation, to a person 21 years or older under the legal possession limit, but the sale of a service or commodity associated with the sharing is prohibited, including so-called “gifting.”
What is Illegal?
  • It remains illegal to smoke cannabis in a motor vehicle, a private business or any place where smoking tobacco is prohibited (like restaurant patios).
  • It remains illegal to grow cannabis plants in your home until the OCM issues regulations permitting home cultivation for adult-use.
  • It remains illegal to distribute or sell cannabis without a license. Transferring cannabis under the possession limit between adults who are 21 years or older without remuneration (money paid or service provided) is legal. However, some individuals are attempting to skirt the law with so-called “gifting” in which cannabis is given away at the same time as another transaction or is offered or advertised in conjunction with an offer for the sale of goods or services – this activity is illegal.
  • It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis which can slow motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safely. Like with alcohol, if you drive under the influence of cannabis, you will get a DUI and risk hurting yourself or others.

 

Can I grow my own cannabis at home?

Not yet. Growing cannabis at home is not permitted under the law until after the OCM adopts regulations outlining the rules for growing cannabis at home. For adult-use cannabis, these rules are required to be in place within eighteen months of the first retail sale of adult-use cannabis in New York State. For medical cannabis, regulations have already been proposed and are in the process of being amended and submitted for public comment.  If the amendments are deemed acceptable, the regulations will be adopted, and medical patients can then begin home cultivating.  Please continue to monitor the website for updates and sign up to receive updates from the OCM on our e-mail distribution list.  

Can I sell cannabis?

Not yet, and not without a license. Only cannabis businesses licensed by the OCM can legally sell cannabis in New York State. No adult-use cannabis retail licenses have been issued yet. Before the OCM can issue adult-use cannabis licenses for sales to consumers, several foundational tasks need to be completed, including the issuance and adoption of regulations and the development of the infrastructure necessary to accept applications. It is anticipated that the OCM will begin licensing before the end of the 2022 calendar year.

Adult-use sales of any amount are still illegal. View more information on penalties related to unlicensed cannabis sales.

Where can I buy cannabis right now?

Certified patients can continue to access cannabis through the Medical Cannabis Program in New York. For all other adults, it remains illegal to buy or sell cannabis products. Any products sold on the illicit market are not tested or regulated by the State of New York and may pose risks to public health.

While there has been limited licensing for the cultivation of adult-use cannabis, there is currently no regulated legal retail marketplace for such products in New York State. Some people may be accessing cannabis products from the illicit marketplace where there is no testing or regulatory oversight. Packages and labels in the illicit marketplace are also unregulated and without oversight. These products may contain unsafe ingredients, contaminants, and byproducts, and may be available in potencies and quantities that can result in accidental overconsumption. Additionally, they are sometimes packaged in a manner that is attractive to youth. 

Adult-use retail dispensaries will be coming soon following the adoption of regulations and licensing of retail establishments.  


Youth Use & Safe Storage

You have to be 21 to buy, use, or possess cannabis in New York State.   

Parents and mentors: You can impact whether youth in your life use cannabis. Start the conversation with them early and have it often. Make sure they understand the consequences and the negative impact it can have on their growing, developing brain. Pre-teens, teens, and youth in their early 20s tend to seek out new experiences and engage in risky behaviors, like using cannabis.  

If you keep cannabis and cannabis products at your home, they should be stored safely, locked up, and out of reach of children and pets. Accidentally consuming edibles is a risk for children and pets that can result in cannabis toxicity or the need for emergency medical attention. If there is an accidental exposure to cannabis or cannabis products of any kind — call Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 or visit your Emergency Room if needed. 

Contact your vet immediately if your pet has ingested a cannabis-containing product. 

What Parents, Mentors, and Trusted Adults need to know about Cannabis

Is it OK for kids to consume adult-use cannabis?

No. Adult-use cannabis is illegal for anyone under the age of 21. Cannabis can be harmful to growing brains and have long-term health and social impacts.

Why is cannabis harmful to kids?

Certain compounds in cannabis (like THC) can affect the developing brain. The part of the brain that is responsible for making decisions (the prefrontal cortex) is one of the last parts of the brain that develops and is particularly impacted by cannabis use. Young people’s brains aren’t done developing until the age of 25.

What other developmental issues in youth can be caused by cannabis use?

Negative cognitive effects can include difficulty thinking and solving problems, problems with memory and learning, reduced coordination, difficulty maintaining attention, and problems with school and social life after consistent use.

Can cannabis have an impact on mental health?

Youth frequently using cannabis can increase the risk of mental health issues, including depression, social anxiety, acute psychosis, and schizophrenia. Cannabis use, especially frequent (daily or near daily) use and use that begins at an early age has been associated with schizophrenia and psychosis. The association appears stronger in people who also have a family history of schizophrenia, and in people who consume cannabis with higher THC content.

What can I do to help prevent kids from using cannabis?

Talk with youth in your life about cannabis early, often, and honestly. If you think a youth in your life is addicted to cannabis, talk with a health care provider or substance use counselor. You can also call the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (1-877-856-7369) or visit oasas.ny.gov to learn more about addiction treatment.

How can a child “accidentally” consume cannabis?

Edible products, in particular, can be confused with food. Products from the illicit market, called “copycat” products, often closely resemble products and packaging children may be used to seeing. When regulations are developed, this type of marketing to kids will be banned and requirements will be put in to provide other protections. No matter what, though, the best thing to do if you have cannabis is to lock up your cannabis and store it in a location your kids cannot access.   


Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. Driving while high slows motor coordination and other skills needed to drive safely.

If you feel different, you drive different. And remember, if you’ve consumed food infused with cannabis – called an “edible” – it can take as long as four hours for it take effect. If you’re not sure if you’re high or impaired, stay put, and don’t take the chance of harming yourself or others. Make a plan before you consume cannabis.

View additional information on Cannabis and Driving.

Can I drive with cannabis in my car?

Yes, it is legal for an adult 21 years or older to possess cannabis in a vehicle. Cannabis should always be securely stored and in a closed container. That said, if you’ve consumed cannabis, then you feel different and if you feel different, you drive different and driving under the influence is illegal.

If you’re not sure if you’re high or impaired, stay put, and don’t take the chance of harming yourself or others.

How much cannabis can I legally carry in my car?

All drivers and passengers are required to abide by the possession (quantity) limits set by the state. Adults 21 and older can have up to three (3) ounces of cannabis and up to twenty-four (24) grams of concentrated cannabis. Similar to alcohol, no open containers are permitted. Neither drivers nor passengers can open any cannabis packaging or use the product while in a vehicle. 

If I am driving, can a passenger in my car smoke cannabis?

No. Smoking cannabis, even as a passenger, in a vehicle is illegal. 

What are some effects of cannabis impairment?

Cannabis has measurable effects on the mind and body that impair the ability to drive and react quickly in critical situations. There are numerous independent studies that have shown cannabis impairs critical abilities needed to drive safely, including:

  • Slowed reaction time
  • Difficulties in road tracking and lane-position variability
  • Decreased, divided attention
  • Impaired cognitive performance
  • Relaxed inhibitions
  • Impaired executive functions, including route planning, decision making, and risk taking, or a combination of all
  • Using cannabis and alcohol or any other substance at the same time can make you more impaired than using either substance alone.
What could happen if I drive high?

Like with alcohol, if you drive under the influence of cannabis, you will be charged with a DUI and risk hurting yourself or others. The charge in New York is specifically called DWAI or “Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.” More importantly, if you drive under the influence, you risk hurting yourselves and others.


Public Use

Cannabis is legal in New York for adults 21 and older, but that doesn’t mean you can use it anywhere you want. The Cannabis Law adds cannabis to the Clean Indoor Air Act which outlines where cannabis can be smoked or vaped. Cannabis can be consumed in a private home and in most places tobacco can be used, with the exception of use in a motor vehicle, a private business (such as a restaurant patio), or a hookah or “cigar bar,” and on federal property. The smoking of cannabis is prohibited anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited. Even though it is legal to smoke cannabis in public, it is important to be thoughtful about where you smoke it and to keep it away from others, especially children, when you do.

Can second-hand cannabis smoke be harmful?

While more research is necessary, the evidence available so far indicates that second-hand smoke from cannabis can have adverse health effects. Like tobacco smoke, cannabis smoke contains tar and cancer-causing chemicals, which raises concerns; cannabis aerosol can also contain harmful chemicals. It’s important to be mindful about where you smoke it and to be sure that you’re doing so away from other people.

Where is it ok for me to use cannabis?

Cannabis can be consumed in a private home and in most places where tobacco can be used, with the exception of use in a motor vehicle, a private business (such as a restaurant patio), or a hookah or “cigar bar.” If you cannot use tobacco in an area, you also cannot use cannabis. Cannabis use is also prohibited on federal lands (National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, public housing, etc.). Be aware that landlords, property owners, and rental companies can still ban the smoking or vaporizing of cannabis on their premises.

Can my landlord prohibit me from using cannabis?

A landlord cannot refuse to rent to a tenant who uses cannabis, but landlords, property owners, and rental companies can still ban the smoking or vaporizing of cannabis on their premises.

Can I use cannabis at a hotel within New York State?

Even if you’re traveling within the state, hotel owners can ban the smoking or vaporizing of cannabis on their properties, so you may not be able to use in a hotel room.  Please note, that leaving the state or country with any cannabis product is against the law.

Can I travel with cannabis?

Leaving or coming into the state or country with any cannabis product is against the law.  Also, since cannabis is still illegal under federal law, you cannot use on federal land (including national parks and national forests).


Health Impacts

Despite the medicinal uses for cannabis, there can also be health risks for certain populations or individuals. Many of these risks depend on when you use cannabis, how much you use, and the type of cannabis you use.  Certain compounds in cannabis – notably tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – can affect the brain in ways that can impact behavior, mood, thoughts, or perceptions and can be intoxicating. It is important to recognize that intoxication can be felt differently in different people and depends on the type of cannabis product being consumed, how much is being consumed, and whether someone is new to consuming cannabis. The intoxicating effects of cannabis consumed in edibles or beverages can be delayed and may not be fully felt until four or more hours after consumption.

How will it affect me?

Cannabis does not affect everyone the same. If you haven’t used cannabis before, or it has been a while, it’s good to “start low and go slow”.  Different forms of cannabis can also have different effects. For example, edible cannabis products can take up to 4 hours before the individual feels the peak effects. Cannabis should always be used responsibly and never before driving or operating heavy machinery.

Can it make me sick?

Cannabis use has health impacts. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, have been diagnosed or are predisposed to having a serious mental illness, have a history of respiratory or cardiovascular illness, or are currently taking prescription medication – talk with your health care provider before use.

Cannabis can be harmful to children and pets. Edible products, in particular, can be confused with food. Cannabis and cannabis products should be stored locked and out of reach of children and pets. If you think a child or pet has accidentally consumed cannabis, contact the New York Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222) or, if it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Is cannabis addictive?

It can be. Up to 3 in 10 people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder.  The risk of developing cannabis use disorder can increase for people who start using cannabis at a young age and use cannabis frequently. If you think your cannabis use is disrupting your daily life or causing problems at work or at home, or if you crave cannabis, talk with a health care provider or substance use counselor. You can also call or text the Office of Addiction Services and Supports 24/7 NY Hopeline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY (467369)or visit oasas.ny.gov to learn more about addiction treatment.

What precautions should I keep in mind when using cannabis?

Cannabis does not affect everyone the same. If you have not used cannabis before, or it’s been a while since you used it last, it’s good to “start low and go slow” – start with a lower amount of THC and/or small amount of product and determine how it is impacting you before you use more. Remember that cannabis edibles and drinks can take up to 4 hours to feel the effects. Cannabis should always be used responsibly and never before driving, or operating machinery.

Additionally, if you are pregnant or breast feeding, have been diagnosed or are predisposed to having a serious mental illness, have a history of respiratory or cardiovascular illness, or are currently taking any prescription medication – talk with your health care provider before use.

What are the signs of cannabis use disorder?

Cannabis use disorder is the medical diagnosis for problematic cannabis use. Cannabis use is problematic when it begins to impact an individual’s life. Some common signs of cannabis use disorder include:

  • Using more cannabis than intended
  • Trying but failing to stop using cannabis when you want to
  • Spending a lot of time using cannabis
  • Craving cannabis
  • Using cannabis even when it causes problems at home, at school, or at work
  • Continuing to use cannabis despite social, relationship, or school-related problems
  • Giving up important activities with family or friends in favor of using cannabis
  • Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like while driving a car
  • Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems
  • Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use of cannabis

Is it possible to “overdose” on cannabis?

It is possible to consume too much cannabis – though a cannabis “overdose” does not look like an overdose from alcohol or opioids. Consuming too much cannabis can result in acute psychosis and/or paranoia. If you think you’ve consumed too much cannabis, you can call theNew York Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222) or, if it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Are there any risks to using cannabis with alcohol or other substances?

Yes. Using cannabis and alcohol at the same time can make you more impaired than using either substance alone. Also, if you’re taking prescription drugs, be sure to ask your healthcare provider if it’s safe to use with cannabis.

What about synthetic cannabinoids, are they safe?

Synthetic cannabinoids (or fake marijuana, K2, “spice”) are psychoactive substances that are human made. Synthetic cannabinoids are often plant material sprayed with chemicals and are NOT from the cannabis sativa plant. Although they are sometimes marketed as safe legal alternatives, they are not safe and can affect the brain significantly more than cannabis. Their effects are unpredictable and can be dangerous or life threatening. 

Because synthetic cannabinoids bind to cell receptors more strongly, they can cause much stronger effects. People have reported experiencing rapid heart rate, vomiting, violent behavior, hallucinations, confusion, extreme anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.  Products can change batch to batch and have different chemical compositions making it difficult to predict the effects. Synthetic cannabinoids can also be addictive.


Pregnant and Breast/Chest feeding

Like many other drugs, there is limited research on the effects of cannabis on pregnancy and/or fetal development. Medical organizations like The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics recommend that you stop using cannabis if you’re pregnant or breast/chest feeding. There are still many unknowns about the short- and long-term effects of cannabis during and after pregnancy for you and your baby. A safe choice is to take a break from cannabis use.   

Cannabis purchased from the illicit market (i.e., cannabis that is not purchased from a licensed dispensary) can pose additional risks to you and your baby as it is not tested or regulated.  These products can potentially be contaminated with mold and/or other chemicals that can be dangerous if consumed.   

For more information, view the Breastfeeding Grand RoundsMarijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding,” hosted by the SUNY University at Albany School of Public Health.

Is it okay to consume cannabis while pregnant?

If you are pregnant, leading doctors’ organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that you stop using cannabis.  This recommendation is based on studies of both human and animal subjects. Even with these studies, it is still hard to say for sure that cannabis itself the health of participants. This is because in many studies, the people participating had more than one risk factor - things like other substance use, tobacco use, and/or lower socioeconomic status. Because of this, it is often difficult to determine the impact of cannabis exposure alone on a pregnancy or baby.   

Because so much is unknown, many providers and medical organizations recommend that people stop consuming cannabis while pregnant and/or while breast/chest feeding. The THC you consume can pass through to your baby and it is possible that exposure may impact your baby. 

We do know that smoking can be harmful to both you and your baby. It is recommended to stop smoking products of any kind during pregnancy, while breast/chest feeding, or when around children of any age.    

I use cannabis regularly and just found out I am pregnant, what should I do?

Stop or at least reduce your use. If you are having trouble quitting, you can call or text the Office of Addiction Services and Supports 24/7 NY Hopeline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY (467369) or visit oasas.ny.gov to learn more about addiction treatment.

Is it okay to take medical cannabis while pregnant?

Unfortunately, there is not much research on the impact of medical cannabis on pregnancy or babies. If you take medical cannabis, you should talk with your health care provider about the possible risks/benefits of medical cannabis use during pregnancy. You can also ask your provider about other medications or treatments which may have more pregnancy-specific safety data.  

Can cannabis help my morning sickness?

There have been no clinical trials or studies to prove that cannabis is an effective way to treat morning sickness. If you are experiencing morning sickness, speak with your provider about prescribing or recommending an alternative to treat your nausea for which there is more pregnancy-specific data.  

What are the potential health effects of using cannabis during pregnancy? 

There is limited research on the impact of cannabis on the health of pregnancy and the development of babies. We do know that cannabis ingested by a pregnant person can be passed to your baby.   

It is important to remember that cannabis smoke has many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke, which are known to be harmful to pregnancy. Breathing cannabis smoke can be harmful for you and your baby.    

Is it safe to use cannabis while breast/chest feeding?

It is safest to not use cannabis while breast/chest feeding as some of the components can be passed in the breast/chest milk. The benefits of breast/chest feeding are vast both for you and your baby- nothing else comes close. If you choose to continue using cannabis, we recommend reducing both the amount and frequency, until research data tells us more. If you're having trouble cutting down, call 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY (467369) or visit oasas.ny.gov to learn more about addiction treatment.   

Cannabis Considerations for Pregnant and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Individuals Fact Sheet


Social Equity

 

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Video: Cannabis and Social Equity

Social equity is central to the Cannabis Law, which seeks to begin the work of repairing decades of disproportionate enforcement and over criminalization of cannabis prohibition, especially in Black and Brown communities. Ensuring those harmed are given an equitable chance to participate and thrive in the legal New York cannabis industry is a key mandate of the Cannabis Law and a priority of the Office of Cannabis Management. Under the law:

  • Records for people with previous cannabis convictions are automatically expunged or otherwise suppressed;
  • Provisions routinely used to over criminalize people of color were removed;
  • There is a goal to issue 50% of licenses to equity applicants; and
  • 40% of tax revenues will be directed - after covering the cost of the program - into programs supporting the communities most impacted by disproportionate enforcement.

Misdemeanor and felony marijuana arrest data by race/ethnicity and county from 1990 to 2020, and notes about the data, are available here.

View more information about the Cannabis Law and social equity.

What is the Seeding Opportunity Initiative?

Governor Hochul announced the Seeding Opportunity Initiative in March 2022. The Initiative is positioning business owners with a cannabis conviction, or their family members, to be the first to make adult-use sales in New York with products grown by New York farmers. In other words, New York-based family farms will be supporting shops owned by New Yorkers directly harmed by the criminalization of cannabis, making sure this industry benefits communities across the state. 

The Seeding Opportunity Initiative is the first of its kind in the nation and begins the implementation of the priorities embodied in New York’s Cannabis Law. It jumpstarts the adult-use industry and puts New York on track for the first sales to occur in 2022.

It is, however, just a start. The OCM is working to develop programs across all license types to break barriers to access, support small businesses and equity applicants, and help set them up for long-term success in the industry.

Does the Cannabis Law expunge past cannabis arrests and convictions?

Yes. The Cannabis Law automatically expunges records for people with previous convictions for activities that are no longer criminalized. Individuals who qualify for expungement are not required to take any further action to have their records expunged. So far, New York State and the Office of Court Administration have expunged approximately 300,000 records and suppressed another approximately 100,000 from background searches as they await expungement.

Learn more about expungement and other areas of the penal law.

What does expungement mean?

Expungement is a process through which your criminal arrests, offenses, and convictions are legally removed from public record as if it never existed, and therefore will not be viewable by potential employers, landlords, schools, etc. Even a court or prosecutor cannot view a person's expunged record.

What are the new penalties and violations for unlawful cannabis use, possession, or sale?

View a list of cannabis penalties and violations under the Cannabis Law.

How does the Cannabis Law impact an individual on probation or parole?

The Cannabis Law prohibits an individual on probation or parole from being punished or otherwise penalized for lawful cannabis use, unless the terms and conditions of the parole, probation, or state supervision explicitly prohibit a person's cannabis use.

Why does the Cannabis Law include a social and economic equity program?

The enforcement of cannabis prohibition disproportionately and adversely impacted certain communities. To help counter this, the Cannabis Law creates a social and economic equity program to rehabilitate and empower those  communities and individuals impacted by cannabis prohibition. The program also includes minority- and women-owned businesses, service-disabled veterans, and distressed farmers.

How does the new law promote social and economic equity?

The Cannabis Law establishes a robust social and economic equity program to prioritize and provide resources to members of communities that have been disproportionally impacted by the policies of cannabis prohibition and create pathways to industry participation through the implementation of a social and economic equity plan. The Cannabis Law establishes a goal to award 50% of all adult-use licenses to social and economic equity applicants and dedicates 40% of the adult-use cannabis tax revenue to reinvestment in communities disproportionally impacted.

How do I qualify as a social and economic equity applicant?

Social and economic equity applicants include individuals who have lived in communities disproportionally impacted by cannabis prohibition and other underrepresented groups, including minority- and women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, and service-disabled veterans-. More details about the social and economic equity program will be prescribed in future regulations promulgated by the Cannabis Control Board. Please continue to monitor this website for updates or sign-up to the OCM email distribution list.

Will people who were convicted of a marijuana-related offense be allowed to participate in the industry?

Yes. Not only can they participate, in fact, under the Cannabis Law, individuals convicted of a cannabis-related offense, or individuals who had a parent, guardian, child, spouse, or dependent, or was a dependent of an individual who was convicted of a cannabis-related offense, may qualify as a social and economic equity applicant and receive priority in the license process. When more details are available, they will be posted on the OCM website. For more information, please refer to the Social Equity Fact Sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Medical Use

Talk with your doctor to see if medical cannabis is right for you. New cannabis policies maintain and expand access to medical cannabis.

The Cannabis Law created significant programmatic enhancements to the medical cannabis program.  OCM anticipates growth to the program as new patient conditions are now eligible for medical cannabis, medical home cultivation will be available to patients and providers after regulations are adopted, whole flower is available, and more. Additionally, 3,300 clinicians are currently registered with the program. The Cannabis Law expanded the types of clinicians eligible for the program to any clinician licensed to prescribe controlled substances in New York State (notably adding dentists, midwives and podiatrists).

Learn about Medical Cannabis

View more information about the Medical Cannabis Program

For questions or to contact the Office, please use the e-mail and phone number below.

Call: 844-863-9312
Email: [email protected]

View the Medical Cannabis Program Frequently Asked Questions


Additional Resources

Cannabis Conversations Outreach Sessions

Watch in English

Watch in Spanish

Press Release: Office of Cannabis Management Completes Cannabis Conversations

Fact Sheets from the Office of Cannabis Management

Medical Program Cannabis and Cannabis 101

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Cannabis Considerations for Pregnant and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Individuals

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What Parents, Mentors, and Trusted Adults need to know about Cannabis

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Other Resources

Cannabis Workforce Development and Resources

Marijuana information from the CDC

Contact

For additional questions on the campaign, email: [email protected]

To reach the Office of Cannabis Management for more information, please call: 1-888-OCM-5151 (1-888-626-5151)