Cannabis sale at farmers market now allowed!
Farmers' markets in New York just added a whole new experience to their headlines. New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new law allowing licensed local cannabis businesses to sell products at community events and farmers' markets. Hochul signed the new law into place on Thursday so that more cannabis growers and sellers in the area can reach even more New Yorkers.
This law allows licensed, local cannabis vendors to sell state-approved products at the outdoor markets. Licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries can apply for Cannabis Showcase Event permits to set up pop-up shops. These new permits are meant to help craft growers compete with the larger advertising budgets of big corporations. The idea behind the legislation is to cut red tape by letting microbusinesses act as their own official growers and processors for the event, or to handle those responsibilities for other retailers.
John Kagia, the executive director of New York's Office of Cannabis Management said "Regulated cannabis has proven to be an economic engine for New York, but the strength of this market lies in the businesses operating across the supply chain,”
Democratic State Senator Michelle Hinchey introduced the bill in her chamber on April 30th, and Democratic Assembly member Donna Lupardo introduced the Assembly version on May 1st. Immediately following governor Hochul's signing the bill took effect.
Hinchey says "Showcase events, like farm markets, give these small businesses a perfect way to reach consumers with their homegrown products.”
Who doesn't love buying local? There's no better way to support these local businesses than taking part in these community events!