Inspections & Enforcement

All cannabis products sold in New York must meet OCM requirements for legality, testing, packaging, and labeling. Retailers are responsible for verifying that every item on their shelves is compliant. Selling unapproved or improperly labeled products can result in fines, recalls, or license suspension.

This page answers: "What do I need to do before starting buildout on my dispensary in New York?"

Cannabis banking is governed by federal rules that determine whether your account stays open, how you handle cash, and what your bank requires from you. Even though cannabis is legal in New York, it remains illegal at the federal level, which triggers enhanced banking oversight. Banks must follow federal anti–money laundering rules when working with cannabis businesses. Your role is to keep records clean, consistent, and explainable.

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.

Even though cannabis is legal under New York law, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates how cannabis-derived products are marketed, labeled, and described at the federal level. These rules apply especially where health, ingredients, food, or consumption claims are involved.

Explains what happens after proximity protection, why you still cannot open, what a provisional license allows, and the steps you must complete before OCM issues a final license.

What zoning, distance, and municipal notice rules apply to cannabis businesses in New York, and how choosing the wrong location can delay or stop your license.

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.

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.