Getting started

A Good Neighbor Agreement is a written commitment between a cannabis dispensary and the surrounding community. This page explains what it is, when to propose one, what to include, security commitments, community hotline structure, and when it reduces opposition versus when it is unnecessary.

A cannabis public hearing in NYC is an advisory meeting where Community Board members and the public comment on your dispensary. The board may issue a recommendation, but OCM makes the licensing decision. This page explains the format, timeline, and what happens next.

Community Boards advise. OCM licenses. This page explains the legal authority structure and why advisory recommendations can still influence scrutiny.

If a NYC Community Board objects to your cannabis dispensary, your license is not automatically denied. This guide explains how objection letters work, how OCM reviews them, whether a second hearing can occur, whether objections trigger investigation, and how to respond professionally without increasing scrutiny.