NY legalizes medical cannabis
(Compassionate Care Act)
History & Legalization Timeline
March 2021: MRTA (Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act) passes, legalizing adult-use cannabis.
2022: First retail dispensaries open under conditional licenses.
2023–2024: OCM expands home grow rights and social equity licensing.
2025: Over 500 licensed adult-use dispensaries operate statewide, with new rules addressing school-distance zones and delivery logistics.
New York continues refining its system to balance access, safety, and justice — setting a national example for equitable legalization.
How We Got Here
2014
MRTA passes, legalizing adult use
MRTA (Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act) passes, legalizing adult-use cannabis
First retail dispensaries open under conditional licenses.
First retail dispensaries open under conditional licenses.
Dispensaries open across the state
OCM expands home grow rights and social equity licensing.
Over 500 licensed adult-use dispensaries operate statewide, with new rules addressing school-distance zones and delivery logistics.
New York continues refining its system to balance access, safety, and justice — setting a national example for equitable legalization.