In the Weeds: NY Cannabis Insider’s Latest Highlights – April 6, 2024

This week has been nothing short of eventful in New York’s cannabis landscape. Let’s dive into the key stories we’ve covered:

A significant legal showdown unfolded as an Albany County Supreme Court judge invalidated certain cannabis marketing and advertising regulations. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Leafly Holdings, Stage One Dispensary, and a Leafly user. Initially, the judge’s decision threatened to nullify the Office of Cannabis Management’s entire set of adult-use regulations before being narrowed down to only third-party advertising restrictions.

Another hot topic was the revelation that some illicit cannabis shops, while operating illegally, managed to secure proximity protection from regulators. This controversial move has disrupted the licensing process for legitimate applicants, sparking concerns about fairness and regulatory oversight.

As New York celebrated the third anniversary of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), reflections poured in on the tumultuous journey of the state’s legal cannabis industry over the past year. Despite progress in finalizing regulations and issuing licenses, challenges persist, including legal disputes and regulatory ambiguities.

Local controversies emerged, with a lawsuit challenging state regulations in New Paltz, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding cannabis legislation and enforcement.

In the midst of these developments, CONBUD dispensary in Manhattan’s Lower East Side announced plans for expansion, showcasing resilience amidst regulatory challenges.

On the political front, cannabis tax attorney Paula Collins launched a congressional campaign, aiming to represent New York’s 21st District, adding an intriguing dimension to the intersection of cannabis advocacy and electoral politics.

Finally, we introduced two notable figures in our “People to Know in NY Cannabis” series: Beau Allulli, founder of Mighty Lucky dispensary, and Angelo Kitkas, founder of Flower Power Dispensers, shedding light on the diverse and dynamic personalities shaping the state’s cannabis landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates next week as we continue to track the evolving story of cannabis in New York.