State Office of Cannabis Management Says State Continues to Work on Permanent Fix for Measuring Distance From Schools & Cannabis Stores

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) says following a court order, certain cannabis dispensary businesses will be allowed to continue using the door-to-door method when measuring the required distance from schools and their business. The order, the OCM says, is in effect until February 15th, 2025, while the OCM and Governor Hochul work with the State Legislature on making the rule permanent.

The OCM says back in June of this year following an internal practice review, the office identified a discrepancy between the Cannabis Law and its measurement practice, which was first established in 2022. That discrepancy between agency practice and the Cannabis Law allowed licensed dispensaries to locate too close to schools.

The OCM says they took action to bring the agency into compliance with the law and Governor Hochul directed OCM to find solutions that would protect small businesses and ensure business owners are held harmless.

“OCM welcomes this order because it gives cannabis entrepreneurs and communities the stability they need,” said Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of OCM. “Governor Hochul is committed to protecting hardworking businesses so they can continue operating where they’ve already invested, while we work toward a permanent solution.”

With the order in place, applicants who were impacted may now move forward for license consideration using the door-to-door method of measurement. The OCM will additionally pause the applicant relief program, which was created to help applicants cover the costs related to having to move or costs incurred at locations that did not comply with the Cannabis Law.