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How to Prepare for a NYC Community Board Cannabis Hearing
Preparing for a NYC Community Board cannabis hearing can determine how smoothly your retail dispensary application moves forward. This guide explains what documents to bring, how long to speak, how to address crime and youth concerns, what tone to use, and what to avoid saying.
What This Page Covers
• What documents to bring
• How long to speak
• Tone and messaging
• How to answer crime concerns
• How to address youth questions
• How to structure your security presentation
• What not to say
• Whether to mention social equity
What a NYC Community Board Hearing Actually Is
A Community Board hearing is part of the municipal notice process under 9 NYCRR Part 119.
The board does not approve or deny your license.
The board may issue a recommendation to OCM.
The purpose of the hearing is public input.
You are not defending yourself in court.
You are demonstrating operational readiness.
What Documents You Should Bring
You are not required to bring full application binders.
Bring concise operational summaries.
Recommended materials:
• One page executive summary of your business
• Security plan overview
• Store layout diagram
• Hours of operation
• Odor mitigation explanation
• Traffic and pedestrian flow explanation
• Youth prevention policy
• Proof of zoning compliance
Optional but helpful:
• Letters of community support
• Local partnership commitments
• Good Neighbor Agreement draft
Do not bring:
• Investor disputes
• Federal legalization commentary
• Political arguments
• Incomplete zoning analysis
Keep materials clean and direct.
How Long Should You Speak?
Most boards allow:
• Three to five minutes per speaker
• Additional time for questions
Prepare a three minute version.
Structure it:
- Who you are
- Where the location is
- Why the location complies with zoning
- How security will operate
- Commitment to community standards
If you exceed your time, you lose credibility.
Concise equals confident.
Tone and Messaging
Use a calm and operational tone.
Emphasize:
• Compliance
• Security investment
• Responsible retail
• Community integration
• Youth protection
Avoid:
• Defensive language
• Minimizing concerns
• Emotional responses
• Industry jargon
You are presenting as a regulated operator, not an advocate.
How to Answer Crime Concerns
Crime concerns are common.
Respond with facts and operations.
Address:
• Controlled entry procedures
• ID verification policy
• Surveillance coverage
• Licensed security staff
• Secure product storage
• Cash handling protocols
Avoid debating statistics aggressively.
Instead say:
Our store operates under state security regulations that exceed typical retail requirements. We have controlled access and 24 hour surveillance.
Keep answers grounded in procedure.
How to Handle Youth Questions
Youth exposure is a frequent concern.
Address clearly:
• Strict 21 and over policy
• ID scanning and verification
• No loitering policy
• Opaque storefront requirements
• Marketing restrictions under state law
Do not say cannabis is harmless.
Say your store follows strict state compliance rules designed to prevent youth access.
Security Presentation Structure
Keep it simple and sequential.
Explain:
- Entry protocol
- Customer check in
- Sales floor controls
- Surveillance coverage
- Product storage
- Closing procedures
Avoid overwhelming the board with technical detail.
Demonstrate control and clarity.
What Not to Say
Do not say:
• This will increase property values
• Crime will not happen at all
• Cannabis is safer than alcohol
• The board cannot stop us
• We are entitled to this
Do not dismiss concerns.
Do not correct residents aggressively.
Respect reduces opposition.
Should You Mention Social Equity?
If you qualify as a social equity applicant, you may briefly mention it.
Keep it factual.
Example:
We are licensed under New York’s equity framework and are committed to responsible and compliant operations.
Do not frame it as political leverage.
Do not assume it overrides concerns.
Operational strength carries more weight than status.
What If the Room Turns Hostile?
Stay controlled.
Do not argue with members of the public.
Answer the board members.
If someone makes inaccurate claims, respond with operational facts.
Hostility increases when applicants appear dismissive.
Calm answers lower temperature.
After the Hearing
Follow up if:
• Clarifications were requested
• Documents were promised
• Contact information was shared
Maintain professionalism.
Community Board recommendations are advisory, but perception can influence review intensity.
Common Operator Mistakes
• Speaking too long
• Arguing with residents
• Overpromising security measures
• Ignoring zoning questions
• Treating the hearing as symbolic
Preparation reduces scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How serious is the hearing if it is only advisory?
Advisory does not mean irrelevant. Strong opposition can increase review intensity.
Do I need a lawyer present?
Not required. Counsel may help if zoning is complex or opposition is organized.
Can the board deny me at the hearing?
No. They may issue a recommendation. OCM makes licensing decisions.
Should multiple team members speak?
Limit speakers. One primary voice with operational command is strongest.
Related Pages
- Community Board vs OCM: Who Actually Approves Your Dispensary?
- What Happens If a Community Board Objects to Your Dispensary?
- Can a NYC Community Board Stop a Cannabis Dispensary?
- What to Expect at a Cannabis Public Hearing in NYC
