New York's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has opened applications for licensed dispensaries to host temporary cannabis farmers' markets and pop-up events, which the state is calling "Cannabis Showcase Events."
"Cannabis Showcase Events expand opportunity within New York's regulated market in a thoughtful and deliberate way while keeping the guardrails firmly in place," OCM Acting Executive Director John Kagia said in a press release. "These events allow licensed retailers, cultivators, and processors to meet consumers where they are, at community markets and pop-ups—while maintaining strict safety standards, age restrictions, and local oversight. This is about creating flexibility for businesses while preserving public health safeguards and local authority."
The program builds on legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) last year, which expanded a showcase initiative first created in 2023. The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) adopted the governing regulations last May.
"The Cannabis Control Board's responsibility is to ensure that new business opportunities are implemented with clarity and consistency," CCB Chairperson Jessica Garcia said. "Cannabis Showcase Events allow licensees to take advantage of the summer season while maintaining strong public health standards, and the Board is grateful for stakeholder input throughout the regulatory process."
Under the rules, attendance is limited to people 21 and older. Organizers must obtain written local approval, submit advance applications to OCM, meet distance requirements from schools, places of worship, and designated public youth facilities, and provide safety, security, and incident reporting plans. On-site consumption, free samples, and giveaways are prohibited. Only the licensed retailer holding the event permit may make sales; cultivators and processors may display products but cannot sell to attendees or provide samples. Events may run up to 14 consecutive days, with each venue capped at 45 event days per calendar year.
In March, at the five-year anniversary of adult-use legalization, Hochul reported $3.3 billion in retail sales and more than 600 licensed cannabis shops. A January status report covered record sales, revenue, licensing, and equity initiatives; Hochul also signed legislation expanding the state's medical cannabis program. New York senators approved a bill on out-of-state medical patient reciprocity and pre-rolled joints, though those reforms had already been enacted separately. In February, a bill was introduced to allow liquor and wine stores to obtain permits to sell low-dose cannabis-infused beverages. Hochul also signed legislation revising zoning requirements for dispensaries near schools and places of worship.
