On sale at your local New York farmer’s market: heirloom tomatoes, less-traveled lettuce, the fanciest apples — and now, legally, cannabis products.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday signed legislation authorizing licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries to sell cannabis products at approved events, such as farmer’s markets, a move effectively expanding sales venues to hundreds of locations across the state.
“By opening the door for legal operators to sell at approved community events and farmer’s markets we are putting small entrepreneurs on a level playing field, expanding consumer access to safer, regulated products and strengthening one of New York’s fastest-growing industries,” Hochul said in a statement.
The operative words are “legal operators” as unlicensed weed merchants frequently can already be seen pushing their products behind stands set up at farmer’s markets and other outdoor events sure to draw foot traffic.
Through March, legal merchants reported sales at more than $400 million, according to a report of the state Cannabis Control Board, but fewer than half of sellers — 47% — reported they were profitable. In May, the total number of adult-use licenses issued statewide stood at 2,259.
John Kagia, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management, said the new legislation “secures a critical opportunity” for the businesses to showcase their products.
A 2025 state report found 54% of adults in New York use cannabis for non-medical reasons, and 30% for both medical and non-medical reasons. Recreational marijuana was legalized in New York on March 31, 2021.
Herb Pinder
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