New York’s path to legalization has unfolded steadily over the past few years. In March 2021, the state passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), officially legalizing adult-use cannabis. By 2022, the first retail dispensaries opened under conditional licenses, marking the start of a new regulated market. Between 2023 and 2024, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) expanded home-grow rights and advanced social equity licensing to ensure fair participation. Now, in 2025, more than 500 licensed dispensaries operate statewide, supported by new regulations addressing school-distance zones and delivery logistics. New York continues to refine its cannabis system—balancing access, safety, and justice—while setting a national example for equitable legalization.