NEW Licenses
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issues all licenses and permits related to medical, adult-use recreational, and cannabinoid hemp businesses in New York State.
As required by the Laws of New York State, all applicants for an Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (AURD) or On-Site Consumption (OSC) license are required to notify their Community District Office AT LEAST 30 days (and no more than 270 days) prior to filing an application with the OCM, to give local residents an opportunity to review applications which may impact their quality of life.
OCM applications are first reviewed by the Health, Environment & Social Services Committee, which then issues a Recommendation for vote by the full Board.
Download instructions for BKCB2 review here.
RENEWAL of Licenses
OCM licensees are also required to notify their Community District Office AT LEAST 30 days (and no more than 270 days) prior to the license expiration date. Notices of renewals are processed on a rolling basis by the District Office following a minimum 21-day public notice period to accommodate local comment and feedback.
Submit a completed OCM Municipal Notice form along with the final Community Impact Plan (CIP) to [email protected]
Resident comments submitted to the District Office during the previous license period are tracked and noted if a substantial pattern of residential complaints or quality of life issues is evident.
Remedy of Resident Complaints
The Legal Online Cannabis Activities Locator (LOCAL) provides public records of all OCM licensees, including Legal Name, DBA, License #, Expiration, and approved Hours of Operation.
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) investigates violations of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). All regulated, licensed dispensaries are listed in the OCM database, and the Dispensary Verification Tool is required to be prominently displayed near their main entrance.
Members of the public who have complaints about a neighboring operator are encouraged to understand current NYC laws, then contact the business operator directly to request specific changes. Please copy the District Office on correspondence: [email protected]
Unlicensed or noncompliant operators may be reported directly on the OCM Enforcement Portal. The District Office is also happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about this emerging industry.