The New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB) held a highly anticipated meeting on April 24, 2025, at the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy in Harlem. This meeting marked significant strides in the state’s cannabis industry, focusing on licensing approvals, compliance measures, and educational initiatives.
If you run a cannabis business in New York, these developments could influence your compliance requirements, expansion plans, and access to capital.
In this article we break down the top takeaways, what they mean for your business, and how to move forward with confidence.
Licensing Approvals: Expanding New York’s Cannabis Market
One of the biggest announcements from the April 24 New York Cannabis Control Board meeting was the confirmation of a new adult-use cannabis license application window opening in Q3 2025.
What to Know:
- New licenses will prioritize underserved areas and social equity applicants.
- The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) plans to release updated guidance on eligibility and scoring.
- Vertical integration restrictions remain in place for most license types.
- As of April 24, the CCB has approved a total of 1,707 licenses.
- In this round, 93 new licenses were issued, with 63% awarded to Social and Economic Equity (SEE) applicants.
- These included: 2 Cultivator, 7 Distributor, 15 Microbusiness, 34 Processor, and 35 Retail Dispensary licenses.
- There are currently 366 legal dispensaries open for business across the state. See the full list of New York’s licensed, operational adult-use cannabis retailers here.
Tip: Businesses should begin preparing documentation, SOPs, and financial projections now to remain competitive.
Social Equity Fund Update
The CCB provided a detailed update on the progress of the $200 million New York Social Equity Cannabis Investment Fund:
- Over $100M has been allocated to retail buildouts for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees.
- More than 70 CAURD dispensaries are now operational statewide.
- Additional tranches of funding are expected by Q4 2025 to support new social equity licensees.
- The CAURD Grant Program has received 207 applications, with 77 currently in final quality assurance review.
For potential applicants: GreenGrowth CPAs can help you create investor-ready financial models that align with social equity goals and fund criteria.
Enforcement & Compliance Updates
Compliance is a growing focus in New York’s adult-use market. At the meeting, the CCB emphasized the following:
- Unlicensed operators are being targeted aggressively, especially in NYC and Long Island.
- Labeling and packaging enforcement will increase, with a new checklist expected by June 2025.
- Licensees must comply with updated METRC requirements, or risk fines and license suspension.
Strategy Insight: Work with a cannabis accountant to ensure your records, reporting, and inventory tracking are fully aligned with OCM and METRC.
New Regulations in the Pipeline
During the April 24 New York Cannabis Control Board meeting, the Board introduced several proposed rules for public comment:
- Microbusiness expansion: Regulations may allow microbusinesses to scale more easily.
- On-site consumption lounges: A pilot program could launch by early 2026.
- Cannabis delivery: Permanent delivery licensing may roll out statewide by year-end.
Public comment on these rules is open through May 20, 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate.
Market Performance: Sales and Pricing Trends
The CCB shared positive momentum in the adult-use market:
- March sales: $139.7 million (five-week reporting period)
- Year-to-date total: Over $375 million
- Retail sales projection: On pace to reach nearly $1.5 billion in 2025
- Price trends: Average retail prices have dropped ~10% over the past year
Educational Initiatives
The OCM announced two new programs aimed at supporting a safer and more informed market:
- Responsible Workforce Training Program: Industry-wide training for cannabis employees focusing on safety and compliance.
- Higher Education Campaign: Targeted at consumers to increase understanding of cannabis use, access, and risks.
Financial Planning in an Evolving Market
With rapid regulatory shifts, license availability, and funding changes, cannabis businesses in New York need agile financial planning more than ever. GreenGrowth CPAs can help you:
- Prepare licensing documentation and pro forma financials
- Align operational strategies with regulatory shifts
- Navigate 280E and reduce tax burden legally
- Build investor-ready pitch decks for fund access
FAQ: April 24 New York Cannabis Control Board Meeting
What is the NY Cannabis Control Board?
The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) is New York’s governing body for adult-use and medical cannabis regulation, under the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
When will the next adult-use license window open?
According to the April 24 meeting, the next round is expected in Q3 2025, with a focus on social equity and geographic diversification.
What should I do to prepare for the next license round?
Prepare your business plan, financials, operating procedures, and proof of eligibility. GreenGrowth CPAs can support your full application process.
Is the Social Equity Fund still active?
Yes. Over $100M has been deployed, and additional funding is expected later in 2025. Social equity businesses may still benefit.
How can I stay compliant with new rules?
Stay updated through CCB meeting summaries, OCM guidance, and work with professionals familiar with New York cannabis regulations.
Final Thoughts
The April 24 NY Cannabis Control Board meeting confirmed that change is coming—and quickly. From licensing to funding to compliance enforcement, the cannabis business landscape in New York continues to evolve.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, your financial strategy needs to evolve too.
Let’s build it together.
Schedule a free consultation with GreenGrowth CPAs today to discuss how we can help you stay compliant, optimize your taxes, and grow your business in New York’s cannabis market.
GreenGrowth CPAs is a national leader in cannabis finance, helping operators in New York and beyond stay compliant, profitable, and investor-ready.
