This section covers the core compliance requirements every dispensary must follow after opening. These are the rules that keep your license active, your records accurate, and your store inspection-ready at all times.
Most enforcement actions do not come from intentional violations. They come from missing paperwork, outdated SOPs, poor tracking, late filings, or ownership and financial changes that were never reported.
A clear guide to what must be documented, stored, and produced during inspections, audits, and renewals.
This page explains what records you must keep, how long you must retain them, where they must be stored, and what OCM, NYS, NYC, and federal agencies can request at any time.
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How inspections work, what inspectors look for, and how to keep your store always ready, even during surprise visits.
This page explains routine inspections, targeted inspections, audits, and joint inspections with local and state agencies, and how to prepare staff so inspections do not disrupt operations or escalate into violations.
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How renewals work, what documents are required, and what changes must be reported to OCM.
Renewal is not automatic. OCM conducts a full compliance review, including ownership, control, financing, operations, and disclosure accuracy.
This page explains what must be reported, what requires advance approval, and what common mistakes lead to renewal denials.
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Every tax, fee, and report required by New York State, New York City, and the federal government.
This page explains cannabis tax, sales tax, local business taxes, federal 280E exposure, OCM fees, and the ongoing reports required monthly, quarterly, and annually.
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How New York updates cannabis rules and how operators are expected to stay current.
This page explains where regulatory updates are published, what counts as legal notice, how emergency rules work, and how to track OCM, METRC, NYC, and federal changes so you do not fall out of compliance.
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Compliance issues shut down dispensaries faster than almost any other problem.
This section helps you avoid:
Most compliance failures are preventable when operators understand the paperwork, deadlines, disclosures, and updates required throughout the license lifecycle.
