New York’s cannabis rollout is happening in real time. Fast, messy, and without a central place that shows how it all fit together. And for many people coming into this industry, especially those directly affected by the War on Drugs, this is the first time you're being given the chance to build something in a system that historically shut you out.
Now you're expected to navigate one of the most complex business environments in the country, across multiple agencies, shifting requirements, and rules that aren’t written for everyday operators.
Zoning approvals. Security standards. ADA exposure. Insurance demands. Fire code. Labor rules. Delivery limits. Each one comes from a different enforcement body, and missing a single detail can lead to delays, violations, lawsuits, or costs that stack fast.
This wiki brings everything into one place, organized around the decisions you make every day, tied back to its legal source, so you can quickly understand what matters, what’s required, and what comes next.
If you’re opening or operating a dispensary in New York, this wiki is for you.
Clear information isn’t “nice to have” in this industry it’s the difference between staying in business and getting fined, sued, or shut down.
When operators understand the rules early, they can plan.
When they can plan, they can open on time.
And when they open on time, they create stability, jobs, and mobility, which is exactly what this industry was supposed to unlock.
This wiki helps protect timelines, reduce avoidable costs, and prevent the kinds of setbacks that have already derailed too many operators.
If you’re short on time, the most critical path is:
Getting Licensed → License to Launch → Location & Facilities → SOPs & Operations
<aside>💡
If you’re looking for something specific, use the search bar to type a keyword or a question, and the Purple Ocean Wiki will surface every relevant rule, requirement, and page connected to it.
</aside>
Because in this industry, missing information turns into real consequences:
These setbacks don’t happen because operators don’t care.
They happen because the system is complicated, the rules shift, and the information hasn’t been accessible.
A belief that:
This is a starting point — and your stable place to return to as the industry evolves.
Choose a section from the left menu.
Come back anytime you have a question, this wiki is built to grow with the industry and with you.
