The laws around cannabis are always changing in the US, and this is very much the case for New York.

Simply put, both medical and recreational cannabis are legal in New York, but - just like in other states around the US - there are certain restrictions in place to ensure it is used safely and by the right people.

In this article, we’ll take you through the different laws around dispensing cannabis in the state of New York. This way, if you’re considering opening a medical or recreational cannabis dispensary in New York, you’ll know what to expect when it comes to the legal side of things.

Applying for a Dispensary License in New York

In October of 2023, the state of New York opened General Cannabis Licensing, allowing businesses to apply to get a license to dispense cannabis.

When it comes to applying for a cannabis dispensary license, applicants should give their personal and entity details, and must indicate interest percentages of everyone. They must also give information about the structure, history and internet presence of the dispensary.

Applicants must also provide information in terms of ownership of the business, as well as any criminal history and information about the premises.

New York Dispensary Location Requirements

When you’re opening a cannabis dispensary, there are some restrictions to keep in mind as to where you’re allowed to set up shop.

In the state of New York, a cannabis dispensary shouldn’t be within a particular radius from another dispensary, recreational or medical.

Also, it can’t be on the same street or avenue less than 200 feet away from a place of worship, and it has to be more than 500 feet away from a school. The road it’s on must also be a public road which can be used by businesses.

It’s important to keep all of these in mind, to ensure you’re setting up your dispensary in a place where it’s allowed to be.

The Regulations around Dispensary Operations in New York

There are several rules around how a cannabis dispensary should operate in New York.

For example, in line with the law that only over-21s can buy and possess cannabis, only employees who are 21 and over can sell cannabis and cannabis-based products. In addition, customers should be ready to show government-issued ID to prove their age.

 Another interesting regulation around operations is, dispensaries can’t advertise any sort of discount, giveaway or reduction, using words like “free”, “sale”, “discount” or “price drop” in any type of communications.

It’s important to do your research on the laws around how your business can operate in New York, before opening your dispensary.

Staff Training

There are rules which you must follow when employing staff at your dispensary in New York.

For example, you need to provide your team members with Responsible Workforce Training.

The Responsible Workforce Training includes:

• Cultural competency or bias training
• Cannabis Workforce Responsibility
• Cannabis Product Safety and Responsibility

All of the above help you ensure your employees are sufficiently prepared to work at a medical cannabis dispensary.

There are, of course, other rules and regulations around training your staff, like giving your employees a handbook.

New York Federal Law

It’s important to note that, under federal law, the use and possession of cannabis is still illegal, and it is not permitted to go across any state or country borders with cannabis, even if you have a medical prescription.  

This is important to keep in mind if you’re thinking of expanding your business one day - each state is different when it comes to the legalization of marijuana, so it’s essential to do all the research you possibly can on each state and the rules around possessing, using and selling or dispensing cannabis.

How We Can Help you With your New York Cannabis Business

So, in this article, we’ve discussed the rules and regulations around medical and recreational cannabis, from how much someone can have on them to who can sell it.  

If you’re looking to open a cannabis business - whether you’re in the recreational market or the medical one - at Seed Technology, we’re here to help.

We offer TV menus and self-service kiosks for cannabis dispensaries, to present and promote products and help customers order and pay by themselves, helping speed up the buying process.

If this prospect intrigues you, it’s time to get in touch with our team to find out more.

The Current Cannabis Laws in New York in 2024

As we now know, there are several laws and rules around selling and dispensing cannabis in the state of New York, even though it has been legalized, within limits.

To sell or dispense recreational or medical marijuana, businesses need to apply for certain licenses, based on their business model.

So, once you’ve got the necessary licenses in place, and your business is set up, it’s time to get in touch with Seed Technology for your TV menu and self-service kiosk needs.