Cannabis Licensing And Finding Dispensaries In New York Just Got Easier—Here's How

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has introduced the Legal Online Cannabis Activities Locator (LOCAL), a new mapping tool aimed at simplifying the cannabis licensing process across the state.

By leveraging data from the Cannabis Licensing System (CLS), LOCAL makes it easier for businesses to navigate the complexities of compliance, eliminating the need for costly third-party surveys, FingerLakes Daily News reported.

See Also: Licensed But Closed: New York’s Cannabis Dream Faces Bureaucratic Nightmare

Prior to LOCAL's launch, cannabis license applicants had to rely on professional surveying services to meet regulatory requirements—a process that was both expensive and time-consuming.

The arrival of LOCAL marks a significant shift in this procedure, offering a cost-free, transparent tool that applicants and businesses can use independently.

"LOCAL is a paradigm shift for New York's cannabis industry, providing both businesses and stakeholders with the resources they need to successfully navigate the rapidly growing market," said Felicia A.B. Reid, acting executive director of OCM. "This application reflects OCM's commitment to transparency and to action based on listening to the needs of the market."

Key Features Of The LOCAL Map

LOCAL consists of two main components, designed to serve both industry professionals and consumers.

1. Industry-Focused Map: This is a powerful tool for applicants, licensees and stakeholders, offering features such as proximity reports, license searches, data exports, and layered data navigation. It allows businesses to make informed decisions regarding compliance and location requirements, reducing reliance on third-party services.
2. Consumer-Focused Dispensary Map: Expected to launch in the coming weeks, this feature will allow New Yorkers to locate the nearest legal dispensary with ease. By providing access to safe, regulated cannabis products, it aims to further bolster the state's legal cannabis market.

LOCAL: Supporting Growth In The Cannabis Industry

The OCM's rollout of the LOCAL map is part of a broader effort to support the growing cannabis industry in New York. As of now, there are 197 licensed adult-use dispensaries operating across the state. By making the licensing process more accessible and affordable, the state aims to encourage the growth of more cannabis businesses, while ensuring compliance with New York's regulations.

This tool also aligns with OCM's commitment to listening to stakeholder feedback, making it a critical resource for applicants across the cannabis supply chain.

"The LOCAL map is not just about efficiency—it's about responding to the real-world needs of those involved in the cannabis industry," Reid concluded.

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