Social and Economic Equity

On March 31, 2021, New York State legalized adult-use cannabis by passing the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). The legislation established a robust social and economic equity (SEE) program to incentivize participation in this new industry for individuals disproportionally impacted by cannabis prohibition through the implementation of the SEE Plan. The Cannabis Law automatically expunges past marijuana convictions and mandates the investment of 40% of all adult-use cannabis tax revenue toward rebuilding communities harmed by the War on Drugs. 

The Cannabis Law establishes a goal of awarding fifty percent (50%) of all adult-use licenses to distinct SEE groups including: 

• individual or individuals from a community disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition 

• a minority-owned business 

• a women-owned business 

• distressed farmers 

• service-disabled veterans. 

Qualifying for SEE 

To qualify for SEE status, sole control of the applicant must be held by an individual or individuals from a community disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, a minority-owned business, a women-owned business, distressed farmers, or a service-disabled veterans. The person or persons having sole control must match the SEE group the applicant wishes to be qualified as. Please see the applicant overview for further details. 

Extra priority shall be given to applications that demonstrate that an applicant meets ALL of the following: 

• Is a member of a community disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition; 

• Has an income lower than eighty percent (80%) of the median income of the county in which the applicant resides; and 

• Was convicted of a cannabis-related offense prior to the effective date of the MRTA, or had a parent, guardian, child, spouse, or dependent, or was a dependent of an individual who, prior to March 31, 2021, was convicted of a cannabis-related offense. 

SEE Applicant Overview

The SEE Team is actively working to improve access to banking and financial services for cannabis businesses, addressing one of the industry’s most significant challenges: the lack of reliable financial solutions. To support these businesses, the SEE Team has developed a Cannabis Banking Directory. This resource will connect licensed cannabis operators with financial institutions that understand and cater to the unique needs of the industry.

If you would like to be included in the directory, please contact the SEE Team at [email protected].

DISCLAIMER: Reference in this document to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, support, or recommendation, by the Office of Cannabis Management. 

The Cannabis Hub and Incubation Program (CHIP) is an OCM initiative aimed at continuing to advance Social and Economic Equity in the New York cannabis industry. CHIP encompasses a range of incubation initiatives designed to support Social and Economic Equity (SEE) individuals from their pursuit of various license types to maintaining operational compliance and ongoing growth in the industry.

Currently CHIP includes:

Technical Assistance Program

The Office has identified an urgent need for Social and Economic Equity (SEE) Applicants to receive technical assistance in completing the highly technical, document-intensive application process. To facilitate this support, the SEE team has strategically collaborated with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), municipalities, academic institutions, and key community stakeholders, bringing together over 75 Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) dedicated to streamlining the application process for social and economic equity applicants. 

In an effort to extend license application and business support services to SEE applicants and licensees across the State, the Office launched the TAP Grant Program in Fall 2024. TAP Grants provide funding to community-based organizations, not-for-profits, and educational institutions that support SEE applicants and early-stage licensees in the operationalization of their businesses.

TAP grantees are supported by the Office to equip SEE applicants and licensees with the knowledge, tools, and information necessary to successfully understand and navigate the application and licensing process, and to provide support, and training in regulatory compliance. Additionally, grantees can provide 1:1 mentorship, application curing assistance, post-licensure support, supply chain education, and SEE certification assistance. 

SEE applicants and licensees interested in statewide TAP support should contact the following entities: 

CHIP Academy

One of the programs within CHIP, known as CHIP Academy, stands as a groundbreaking educational and training initiative aimed at supporting licensees within the New York cannabis industry. With a specific focus on addressing compliance and technical issues such as GMP certification and transitioning to different license types, CHIP Academy serves as a vital resource hub for licensees navigating the complexities of the industry. Through targeted educational programs and training modules, CHIP Academy empowers licensees with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate their early post-licensure journey effectively. CHIP Academy is open to all licensees in the cannabis industry, inviting participants beyond SEE licensees to benefit from its educational and training initiatives.

The CHIP Academy will resume online resources and upcoming sessions starting Tuesday, April 8th. Each session includes 1 hour of instruction and a 30-minute Q&A. To receive access to the online resources you can submit your contact information here: Submit CHIP Academy Contact Information.

For any CHIP Academy-related questions, please email [email protected]. 
 

Retail Accelerator

In anticipation of the first wave of equity retail licensees, OCM partnered with cannabis educator, “Our Academy” to provide immersive training and mentorship for equity licensees. The accelerator curriculum covered several aspects of opening and operating a retail cannabis business. Participants also received 1:1 mentorship and access to financial and marketing consultants. The retail accelerator will likely be a regular part of OCM’s ongoing support services and will be available to retail equity licensees. 
 

Cannabis Compliance Training and Mentorship (CCTM)

The CCTM program offers structured webinars covering cannabis cultivation, processing, agribusiness management, and regulatory compliance. It targets individuals with advanced horticultural or manufacturing experience and aims to diversify New York’s cannabis industry by preparing participants for the adult-use market. The program is supported by partnerships with SUNY, Cornell University, and other industry professionals. The OCM’s inaugural CCTM Program was held from October 2022 to January 2023 and is not currently being offered. 
 

Please email [email protected] with any questions related to these programs. 
 

Please email [email protected] if you have any further questions.  

Would you or your organization like to provide volunteer services to SEE applicants as a Technical Assistance Provider?
Please email [email protected] for more information on joining OCM’s TAP network.