Getting started

Cannabis is legal in New York, but it remains illegal under federal law. Because of that, New York cannabis operators are still subject to a wide range of federal rules enforced by agencies outside the cannabis program. These requirements affect banking, taxes, accessibility, marketing, payments, employment, safety, and risk exposure.

MRTA Article 2; Sections 7–20 explain who governs cannabis in New York and how regulatory power is structured. It defines which bodies set policy, write rules, issue licenses, enforce compliance, and oversee equity.

MRTA Article 5, Sections 106–111 regulates cannabinoid hemp separately from adult-use cannabis, but hemp operators are still subject to inspections, enforcement actions, penalties, and license consequences. Compliance under Article 5 is mandatory and actively enforced.