Getting started

Opening a cannabis business in New York requires meeting state law, OCM regulations, and local zoning rules. This guide covers where dispensaries are legally allowed, required buffer distances, municipal opt-outs, NYC zoning districts, and how to properly complete MRTA §76 municipal notice before applying.

This page explains how local opt-outs, zoning laws, buffer distances, and municipal notice requirements affect cannabis licensing in New York. It covers how to confirm your site is legally eligible, who must be notified under MRTA §76, required timing and delivery methods, and how community feedback is handled during OCM’s license review process.

This page explains what your dispensary floor plan must include before OCM will issue a final license. It covers required layout elements such as sales areas, storage rooms, vaults, camera coverage, and controlled employee zones, along with ADA accessibility rules, emergency exit requirements, fire safety code compliance, and the importance of matching your approved DOB and FDNY plans to avoid inspection delays.