Cannabis News
New York Officials Celebrate 500th Marijuana Dispensary Opening, With $2.3 Billion In Sales Since Market Launch
New York’s marijuana regulators are celebrating the opening of the state’s 500th legal cannabis dispensary, citing $2.3 billion in adult sales since the market opened, supporting about 25,000 jobs across the industry.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Green Comfort Dispensary became the 500th adult-use marijuana licensee to open its doors in the state since its launch in late 2022.
Felicia AB Reid, executive director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), said in a press release that “the growing number of licensed dispensaries reflects a market that is maturing with a purpose.”
“Every new business represents economic growth, community investment and safer access for consumers,” he said. “Together, New York’s legal cannabis market, industry innovation and consumer demand show no signs of slowing down,” they state.
Beyond the 500 store milestone, OCM also highlighted other industry growth statistics, including the approval of 1,949 adult cannabis businesses across all license types. Today there are dispensaries in 51 regions and 161 municipalities throughout the state.
“Each licensed store represents an operator, proven products and a community that chooses safer cannabis,” said Jessica Garcia, president of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB). “Reaching 500 shows the momentum of the industry and our focus on equity, compliance and consumer protection.”
Of the nearly 2,000 adult-use licenses issued so far, OCM said 56 percent have gone to social equity businesses that have been disproportionately affected by the ban.
With tax revenue from marijuana sales and license fees, $5 million has been invested in community reinvestment initiatives, another $5 million has gone toward a grant program for conditional business licenses for eligible applicants, and $2.6 million has contributed to technical assistance for those seeking to enter the market.
“Equity has been the bedrock of this market since the beginning,” said Simone Washington, Chief Equity Officer at OCM. “Achieving this milestone reinforces that progress is possible when equity is built and embedded in the system. Our focus remains that equity is not just a paper principle, but a measurable outcome at every level of the industry.”
Tim Tanavung, CEO of Green Comfort Dispensary, said “it is truly an honor to be recognized as NYS’s 500th licensed historic dispensary.”
“It is truly a labor of love and passion from myself, David and the entire staff at Green Comfort,” he said. “We are excited to promote a vessel that we can give back to the community, the city of Rochester and the state. We are optimistic for the future of Green Comfort and NYS cannabis.”
As for marijuana sales in the Empire State, regulators announced in September that the state had It officially surpassed $2 billion in adult cannabis purchases.
Meanwhile, given the confusion in the market about temporary license terms, the CCB said it will extend the renewal period for adult conditional use to December 31, 2026.
“This extension provides more time for licensees to secure viable locations and obtain full licensure,” OCM said. “It will also apply to temporary licenses issued between September 9, 2025 and December 30, 2025, ensuring clarity and consistency for all temporary licensees.”
Part of the uncertainty surrounding provisional licensees a the recently identified zoning issue affects more than 100 cannabis businesses Those located too close to public schools or places of worship than permitted by applicable statute. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said she will push the legislature to change the state’s marijuana law to address the problem.
—
It’s Marijuana Moment tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.
Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—
Meanwhile, both chambers of New York’s legislature passed the legislation earlier this year extend the deadline for electronic tax returns for marijuana companiessending the proposal near the governor’s desk.
If signed into law, the measure would give cannabis manufacturers and distributors an extra 30 days to file their tax returns after the end of each quarterly tax year. Currently, companies have 20 days to submit documents, and the legislation would extend it to 50 days.
Sponsors of the bill noted that Hochul vetoed the cannabis business tax reform proposal late last year, saying it would lead to “significant operational challenges for the state and confusion for taxpayers,” but that they have worked to address those concerns in the current version.
The earlier measure would have been vetoed It allowed marijuana growers and processors to pay excise taxes annually rather than quarterly—A change that would extend the same treatment that the state already offers to the alcohol industry.
In July, New York officials announced First round of grants for $5 million program to support retail marijuana businesses for justice-involved people cover start-up costs.
About three months after opening applications Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) Grant ProgramOCM and Empire State Development (ESD) announced Wednesday that 52 licensed dispensaries have been awarded up to $30,000 each for start-up and operating costs such as rent, renovations, inventory tracking and security systems.
To enter the program, applicants must be “justice-involved,” meaning a marijuana-related conviction, and experience running a profitable business.
Meanwhile, OCM recently launched a new online map to help adults find licensed marijuana shops—one of the latest efforts to encourage consumers to buy their cannabis on the regulated market.
After a surprising expansion of the state’s legalization law opened the door to a proliferation of illegal marijuana shops, governors and regulators have made it a priority to educate citizens about the need to buy their products from licensed dispensaries as a health and safety imperative.
The broader New York campaign also involved digital advertising and educational resources, including a guide to safe consumption practices, as well as graphics and videos from licensed cannabis business owners and messages about the benefits of participating in the regulated market.
OCM also advises that “enforcement against the illegal market is critical to building a regulated health market,” pointing to what it describes as a successful enforcement effort in 2024. Last spring, for example, New York City officials launched Operation Padlock, an enforcement initiative aimed at shutting down illegal storefronts.. Within a few months, sales at licensed stores that were open before the start of operations rose 105 percent, according to an OCM survey.
Regulators are also moving forward new regulations proposed around the state’s “cannabis showcase” programwhich allows licensed businesses to sell to consumers at farmers market-like events.
As originally authorized, the showcase events were largely a response to the slow expansion of New York’s adult marijuana program. There have been numerous delays in implementation between lawsuits and other issues.
Separately, Hochul signed state budget legislation it did not include a previously controversial provision that would have allowed police to use the smell of marijuana as probable cause that a driver is impaired and then forced to take a drug test.
Legislative amendments removed the provision, which had a coalition of 60 reform groups He argued that Hochul-i and senior lawmakers would “repeat some of the worst damage of the war on drugs.” and allow law enforcement to “restart unconstitutional racial profiling of drivers.”
In April, New York cannabis regulators and labor officials has announced the launch of a staff training program The state’s marijuana industry is legally required to “provide comprehensive safety training to employees.”
Additionally, the press secretary of the OCM stated that the office is working on plans to expand permit and license regulations. adults can buy and use marijuana in movie theaters. Allowing the sale of cannabis products in theaters would set New York apart as the state continues to build legalization legislation.
At the beginning of the year, a collective Companies licensed under the CAURD program asked Hochul to forgive tens of millions of dollars in high-cost loans. issued under a social equity loan fund created by the governor.
A member of the state legislature In December, he said that there is a need to extend the subsidies to CAURD graduatesmany of them are struggling under high cost loans.
Critics — the NAACP New York State Conference, Black Cannabis Industry Association, Minority Cannabis Business Association, Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis Association, Drug Policy Alliance, NYC NORML and VOCAL-NY — wrote to the governor earlier that month. to express dismay at what they described as marijuana regulators’ “efforts to serve big corporations at the expense of small business and equity results.”
Photo by Mike Latimer.
Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.
The South African Department of Agriculture has announced that the Plant Improvement Act 2018 (Act 11 of 2018) and accompanying regulations came into force on 1 December 2025. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the proclamation of the new Act after Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen approved the regulations. The Act replaces the Plant Improvement Act 1976 (Act 53 of 1976). Both the proclamation and its regulations were published in Official Gazette 53707 of November 21, 2025.
The updated legislation establishes systems for the registration of businesses related to plants and propagating materials for cultivation and sale, as well as the registration of the premises where these businesses operate. It also establishes quality standards for plants and propagating material, determines sales conditions and establishes a national list of plant varieties. The law includes processes for evaluating plant varieties when there is uncertainty about their value for cultivation and use, and strengthens import and export control of plants and propagating material. Certification schemes for plants and propagating material are also part of the framework.
The 2018 Act introduces new provisions that were not included in the 1976 Act. These additions include the registration of businesses related to plants and propagating material, along with new rules for the cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) varieties in South Africa. The revised definition now classifies hemp as a low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) plant or plant part containing no more than 2 percent transdelta 9 THC, a change from the previous limit of 0.2 percent. The Act also provides for the publication of a Gazette of the National List of Varieties and specifies the process for hearing claims submitted to the Registry in connection with applications for the National List of Plant Varieties. In addition, the Law establishes an advisory committee that can assist the Registry in technical or administrative matters related to its implementation.
According to the department, the Plant Improvement Act creates a legal framework for the production and sale of high-quality seeds and vegetative propagation material. This framework supports the productivity and long-term sustainability of food production in South Africa.
Source: South African Government News Agency
Cannabis News
Trump’s Marijuana Order Means Congress Must Delay The Federal Hemp Ban’s Timeline (Op-Ed)
During winter clean-ups, greenhouse operators prepare facilities for the next production cycle, with hygiene remaining a critical focus. Effective sanitation during crop transition plays a key role in reducing pathogen pressure and promoting long-term crop health, particularly in operations that manage virus risks such as Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
Disinfectants commonly included in greenhouse hygiene programs include Intra Multi Des GA, supplied in North America by Houweling Americas. “This product is widely used by vegetable and ornamental growers as part of comprehensive cleaning and routine sanitation strategies, especially where deep penetration is required on complex surfaces,” says the Houweling Americas team.
© Houweling Americas
Getting under the surface
Biofilms and organic debris continue to limit the effectiveness of many disinfectants, harboring microorganisms in cracks, crevices, and porous materials. According to the Multi Des GA technical team, the formulation is designed to address this challenge through penetration rather than surface activity.
“Intra Multi Des GA has five active ingredients that work together to provide strong penetration properties, allowing the product to reach microorganisms hiding in difficult access areas,” the team explained. While not positioned as a dedicated biofilm remover, the formulation is intended to reveal and eliminate pathogens sheltered beneath biofilm layers.
For best results, a two-step sanitation approach is recommended: deep cleaning to remove organic matter and biofilm, followed by disinfection. “Skip the cleaning step increases the risk of completely eliminating pathogens,” the team noted, highlighting the continued opportunity for farmer education around proper hygiene sequencing.
The role of cleaning before disinfection
As part of the Intracare product portfolio, Houweling Americas also supplies Intra Foam Organics, a cleaner designed to remove organic material prior to disinfection. Organic debris can significantly reduce disinfectant performance if not completely removed, especially on high-traffic or porous surfaces. When used as a first step, cleaners like Intra Foam Organics help ensure that disinfectants can come into direct contact with target pathogens.
Performance on porous and uneven surfaces
Concrete floors, block walls and other porous greenhouse materials remain among the most difficult areas to sanitize. According to internal tests, Intra Multi Des GA works reliably on these surfaces, moving into the micro-cracks where pathogens can persist.
“When applied to porous materials such as concrete blocks, the formulation moves significantly across the substrate,” the team explained. “This behavior is different from traditional disinfectants that remain on the surface and do not reach the embedded microorganisms.”
© Houweling Americas
Broad spectrum pathogen control
Growers of all types of crops rely on Intra Multi Des GA to manage a wide range of pathogens, including fungal, bacterial and viral threats. The reported efficacy against ToBRFV has made it an essential component of hygiene protocols in tomato production.
“Intra Multi Des GA has shown excellent efficacy against ToBRFV and has proven effective in eliminating the virus on contact when used appropriately,” the team reported. Beyond viral control, growers also use the product against pathogens such as Fusarium and Pythium in crop and ornamental systems.
Waste behavior and crop turnover
Unlike non-residue disinfectants, Intra Multi Des GA is designed to leave a residual effect on treated surfaces during cleaning, providing extensive protection between crops. This waste is not intended to come into contact with the collected products, but is used to maintain sanitation during downtime.
Operational efficiency is another matter. The product is applied at a low concentration of use, requires a short contact time and usually requires only one application, allowing rapid crop rotations without compromising hygiene standards.
Long-term sanitation results
Growers who consistently incorporate Intra Multi Des GA have reported cumulative improvements in crop rotation hygiene programs over multiple seasons. In one documented case, a Dutch tomato operation managing ToBRFV reported no subsequent infections after integrating the product into the cleaning protocol.
“Starting clean remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of early cycle infection,” the team emphasizes.
Supporting North American producers
Houweling Americas supplies Intra Multi Des GA and other Intracare solutions through established distribution partners and provides technical support to assist with implementation. In addition to hygiene products, the company’s portfolio includes nutrient solutions, growing substrates, LED lighting, water treatment technologies and biostimulants such as Intra Eco Shield, with Intra Boost, a next-generation willow bark-derived biostimulant, scheduled for a North American launch in early 2026.
Based in British Columbia and Ontario, Houweling Americas works closely with growers to develop integrated solution programs that support yield, plant health and resilience. The company is part of Royal Houweling, a Dutch family business founded in 1925 and recently recognized with royal status for its long-term commitment to horticulture and sustainability.
For growers seeking technical guidance on hygiene protocols or product performance, the Houweling Americas team encourages direct engagement for further assistance.
For more information:
Houweling America
1-800-252-5824
houwelingamericas.com
Sunset Sherbet Marijuana Monday AT THE CANNABAR!
Is Legalization Dead in 2025? NORML Poltical Director Morgan Fox 1v1 with PCM TV’s Jimmy Young
👮Is Federal Legalization Really Happening This Time?
EVERYTHING HEMP | CHRIS BOUCHER
New Plant Improvement Act comes into effect
Trump’s Marijuana Order Means Congress Must Delay The Federal Hemp Ban’s Timeline (Op-Ed)
Bazooka Marijuana Monday at the NEW Cannabar!
Re-Rlease of Cannabis Coast to Coast News with Alaina Pinto; Is Cannabis being used the wrong way?
⭕️What Is THC-O? Is It Really 300% Stronger?
CANNABIS TITAN | ROBERT HOBAN
“Our system can manage equipment across 10,000+ m² using just a few wires”
Florida Workshop to Discuss What Constitutes a ‘Cartoon’ in Hemp Packaging
German Retail Acquisition Pending for High Tide – New Cannabis Ventures
Your Cannabis Business: Consistent Filings Are Critical
From Finance to Wellness: Brad Zerman’s Impactful Pivot
Re-release of the full show of Cannabis Coast to Coast news. Republican Texas DA Fires Up vs. laws;
DEA’s Cole Reverses His “priorities” ; Prohibitionists Dig In; Dead & Co Celebrates 60 years in SF
Texas DA Partakes on Tik Tok to prove a point; Boston Sheriff arrested for Extortion of $ w/ Ascend
Cannabis Investors Should Consider REITs – New Cannabis Ventures
Curaleaf Q2 Revenue Falls 8% – New Cannabis Ventures
-
Cannabis News4 months ago“Our system can manage equipment across 10,000+ m² using just a few wires”
-
Florida4 months agoFlorida Workshop to Discuss What Constitutes a ‘Cartoon’ in Hemp Packaging
-
Canadian Cannabis News4 months agoGerman Retail Acquisition Pending for High Tide – New Cannabis Ventures
-
Best Practices4 months agoYour Cannabis Business: Consistent Filings Are Critical
-
Video4 months agoFrom Finance to Wellness: Brad Zerman’s Impactful Pivot
-
Video4 months agoRe-release of the full show of Cannabis Coast to Coast news. Republican Texas DA Fires Up vs. laws;
-
Video4 months agoDEA’s Cole Reverses His “priorities” ; Prohibitionists Dig In; Dead & Co Celebrates 60 years in SF
-
Video4 months agoTexas DA Partakes on Tik Tok to prove a point; Boston Sheriff arrested for Extortion of $ w/ Ascend