New York Cannabis Regulators Introduce “Cannabis Showcase” Program for Public Events

NEW YORK — In a significant move, New York cannabis regulators have voted in favor of the “Cannabis Showcase” program, permitting growers to sell their products directly to the public at various events, including concerts and festivals. As reported by NBC 5, this decision aims to bolster the promotion of New York cannabis products in a controlled and regulated manner.

Under the Cannabis Showcase program, licensed cultivators will have the opportunity to collaborate with adult-use cannabis retailers and processors to organize events that highlight and offer New York cannabis products. For an event to qualify as a showcase, it must involve a minimum of three licensed cultivators partnering with a licensed adult-use dispensary to sell authorized and tested cannabis products to customers. Additionally, these events will only be permitted in municipalities where retail cannabis sales are allowed, and they must primarily target an adult audience.

The recent approval by the Office of Cannabis Management also paves the way for cannabis sales at concerts, festivals, and other similar gatherings, as reported by the Times-Union. This decision is expected to offer attendees greater exposure to cannabis products while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight.

During the regulatory meeting, the agency also granted approval for an additional 212 conditional adult-use cannabis licenses, signifying a growing interest in the cannabis industry within the state.

The introduction of the Cannabis Showcase and the allowance for cannabis sales at events come at a crucial time, as New York’s farmers find themselves grappling with large quantities of unsold cannabis due to the slow rollout of retail sales in the state. Despite cannabis legalization in New York over two years ago, only 16 licensed dispensaries have been established for retail sales across the state. Additionally, four other dispensaries have been granted approval for delivery-only sales as they continue to develop their physical retail locations.

The move to facilitate direct sales at public events not only offers growers an opportunity to showcase their products but also aims to address the challenges faced by the industry amid the ongoing retail rollout. By creating a platform for legal and regulated sales, New York cannabis regulators seek to strike a balance between promoting the cannabis sector’s growth and ensuring public safety and compliance with state laws.

As the state continues its efforts to expand the cannabis market and improve accessibility, the Cannabis Showcase program represents a notable step forward in providing a space for growers to connect with consumers and generate interest in New York’s burgeoning cannabis industry.