New York state has seen more than $1 billion in legal retail sales of cannabis, according to statistics from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.
“We recognize the $1 billion milestone as more than just a number — it’s a testament to the hard work of those who helped build the strongest cannabis industry in the nation: one that prioritizes equity, ensures public safety, and empowers communities,” Hochul said.
According to Hochul’s office, over the past decade, adult use of marijuana and cannabis products has risen significantly, with 19% of New Yorkers reporting annual use, which is a 30% increase over 10 years, and 12% reporting monthly use, a 43% increase. Additionally, 67% of consumers who used cannabis in the past year reported purchasing it from legal retail sources, which Hochul’s office says reflects growing confidence in the regulated market.
In 2024, the state had 448 licensed adult-use retail dispensaries and another 569 adult-use retail dispensaries with conditional licenses. There were 221 entities licensed to cultivate crops for adult use and 292 entities licensed as adult-use processors. Retail sales for 2024 through Nov. 30 came to $757.8 million.
On May 21, 2024, the Governor’s Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force was launched. The Task Force was a major statewide effort to coordinate staff from more than 20 state agencies to combat the illicit cannabis market. Through collaboration between the State Police, Office of Cannabis Management, Department of Taxation and Finance and other state agencies, the Task Force was equipped to go after illegal cannabis activity. The Task Force has worked with landlords to evict illegal dispensaries and also works to penalize landlords who fail to take necessary steps to evict tenants operating illegal dispensaries within their property.
The state stepped up enforcement against unlicensed operations with 1,300 enforcement inspections conducted and 450 businesses closed for illegal sales. An estimated 16,900 pounds of illicit cannabis products were seized with a street value of $68.5 million.
According to Tremaine Wright, chair of the state’s Cannabis Control Board, “From cultivation and production to retail and compliance, the legal cannabis market continues to contribute significantly to local and the state’s economies. New Yorkers over the age of 21 are now able to choose from a vast array of quality, tested cannabis products. It’s clear that the Empire State’s cannabis market is gaining momentum heading into 2025. The progress we have made in implementing a comprehensive and equitable cannabis framework serves as a strong foundation for continued success.”
New York also reported that access to care for medical patients using cannabis continues to grow under its Medical Cannabis Program with the number of registered health care providers growing from nearly 3,900 in 2022 to 4,454 in 2024. More than 100,000 patients have registered for New York’s Medical Cannabis Program.
