New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) last Thursday signed a bill allowing for adult-use cannabis sales at approved farmers markets and community events, Spectrum Local News reports.
The change is expected to benefit small-scale growers by giving cannabis microbusinesses direct access to consumers in a new venue for legal sales. Participating businesses will need to apply for a special Cannabis Showcase Events license, which will require local approval and a location-specific permit from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
“This new law gives licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market. By opening the door for legal operators to sell at approved community events and farmer’s markets we are putting small entrepreneurs on a level playing field, expanding consumer access to safer, regulated products and strengthening one of New York’s fastest growing industries.” — Hochul, in a statement
“It allows us as a small farm to be able to do like we do with our vegetables and sell directly to our customers,” Rose Fera, co-owner of boutique cannabis cultivator Goldflinch Flora, said in the report.
Cannabis sales will remain restricted to individuals aged 21+ under the regulations, and on-site consumption will also still be prohibited. Additionally, the new event permits will be tied to their specific location, and the events can run for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
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