Overview

• Office of Cannabis Management admitted licensing 152 dispensaries in violation of the 500-foot school buffer by measuring from entrances rather than property lines.
• Businesses notified of non-compliance face non-renewal of licenses unless lawmakers grant retroactive waivers or amend the law.
• Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office has launched a $15 million fund providing up to $250,000 per operator to support relocation and restart costs.
• Proposed legislation aims to grandfather affected shops in their current locations but must clear the state Legislature before licenses expire.
• Dispensary owners warn that forced moves could cost millions, break leases and trigger layoffs without legislative relief.