Daily Operations

If a budtender’s day runs more than 10 hours from first punch to last punch, you may owe an extra hour of pay under NY law. This page explains the rule, examples, and how retail dispensaries accidentally violate it.

If your New York City dispensary sells or stores non-cannabis food or beverages, you must comply with NYC retail food safety rules. These requirements apply even if your primary license is for cannabis retail. Food safety violations can result in fines, forced product removal, or temporary shutdowns by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

In New York dispensaries, paying budtenders a salary does not eliminate overtime obligations. This page explains why most retail cannabis staff are non-exempt employees, when overtime is legally required, and how payroll mistakes can trigger wage claims and penalties.

New York dispensaries must keep payroll and wage records for at least six years under state labor law. This page explains what records must be retained, how federal rules overlap, and why missing payroll documentation creates serious liability during audits or wage claims.

The OCM C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery) List is an enforcement tool that restricts retailers with unpaid invoices from purchasing cannabis on credit. This page explains how delinquent payments are reported, how C.O.D. status affects wholesale transactions, how suppliers submit resolutions, and how retailers are removed from the list.

New York dispensary owners can fund their business in only two clean ways: as a capital contribution or as a documented loan. This page explains how each structure works, how repayment is treated, how banks and the IRS view owner transfers, and the documentation operators need to avoid audit, banking, and ownership risk.

An LLC does not automatically protect cannabis business owners from personal liability. This page explains how unpaid payroll taxes, personal guarantees, mixing business and personal funds, informal side agreements, and limited access to federal bankruptcy can expose owners personally, and outlines simple steps that reduce that risk.

This page explains what must be completed before OCM issues a final cannabis license, including approved buildout plans, building and fire department sign-offs, full security system installation, POS and inventory readiness, documented staff training, required insurance coverage, and the final inspection process. Most opening delays occur when premises or documentation do not match what was submitted to OCM.

Cannabis dispensaries must modify store policies when a disability creates a barrier to access, unless the change would fundamentally alter the business or violate state law. This page explains when ADA requires flexibility, how ID and security rules interact with disability rights, and how staff should evaluate requests without triggering complaints or lawsuits.