Five local farmers, retailers receive cannabis licenses

Vicky Klukkert, The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
·3 min read

Jun. 20—Five area businesses received licenses from the state Cannabis Control Board, out of 105 licenses spanning the supply chain that were approved statewide by the board June 11.

According to a June 14 email from Cannabis Control Board spokesperson Taylor Randi Lee, the following businesses received licenses:

* Sugarhouse Farms, LLC in Otsego County

* Cannaboss, LLC in Otsego County

* Westkill Bend Inc. in Schoharie County

* Raven's View Genetics, LLC in Delaware County

* East Branch Holdings LLC in Delaware County

Sugarhouse Farms received adult-use cultivator and processor licenses. Cannaboss and Westkill Bend received adult-use distributor licenses. Raven's View Genetics and East Branch Holdings received adult-use microbusiness licenses.

The board denied 100 applications that either did not meet the eligibility for licensure or had already been issued an adult-use cannabis license from another application, according to a media release from Gov. Kathy Hochul's office.

The board also took substantial steps to advance the state's cannabis regulatory framework during this month's board meeting, addressing several key topics including license approvals, market updates, home grow regulations and enforcement updates.

The board issued adult-use cannabis licenses, encompassing microbusinesses, cultivators, processors, distributors and retail dispensaries.

In addition to issuing licenses, the board approved a resolution to adopt regulations for the personal home cultivation of cannabis, enabling adults aged 21 and older in the state to cultivate cannabis at home, the release stated.

Under the regulations, adults can grow up to six plants individually or 12 per household. Registered medical cannabis patients can have a designated caregiver grow on their behalf, provided no one can exceed the maximum of 12 plants per household.

Licensed entities like dispensaries and microbusinesses can sell seeds and immature cannabis plants to consumers, the release stated.

"This significant development empowers New Yorkers who wish to participate in the adult-use cannabis market by providing them with the autonomy to cultivate their own cannabis plants," the release stated. "Home cultivation offers a cost-effective and accessible option for personal use, ensuring that individuals have control over the quality and strain of cannabis they consume. It also promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultivation process, fostering a more informed and engaged community of cannabis consumers in the state."

Amendments underwent a 60-day public comment period, the release stated. The board voted to adopt the regulations and make them effective at the June 11 board meeting.

According to the release, sales surged in May by $4.4 million, reaching a total of $46.2 million, and with the month ending with a new weekly sales record of $12.5 million. Projections show that 2024 cannabis sales will exceed $200 million by early June, underscoring the sector's rapid expansion and growing consumer capture.

The total number of adult-use licenses issued in 2024 climbed to 503, with a notable 55% awarded to Social and Economic Equity program applicants, the release stated.

The breakdown includes 39% minority-owned business, 39% women-owned business, 9% service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, 8% distressed farmer, and 6% Community Development Initiative participants.

Vicky Klukkert, staff writer, can be reached at vklukkert@thedailystar.com or 607-441-7221.