Getting started

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.

Your storefront and website must meet federal accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These requirements apply before opening and throughout operations and are actively enforced through lawsuits and regulatory action. Both physical access and digital access are required.

Federal workplace safety laws apply to every dispensary, regardless of size or license status. Cannabis businesses must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards even though cannabis remains federally illegal. Safety violations can result in inspections, citations, fines, or corrective orders.