New York cannabis history
Reviewed
The Office of Cannabis Management says adult-use cannabis was legalized on March 31, 2021, when the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act passed. The governor announced the first licensed adult-use sales on December 29, 2022.
This is a short history, not legal advice. The rules that apply today are on the New York cannabis laws page. A date is included only when the linked page states it.
At a glance
July 5, 2014The comptroller says Governor Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act, Chapter 90 of the Laws of 2014, on July 5, 2014.
March 31, 2021The Senate page for S854 says the act shall take effect immediately, with later exceptions.
December 29, 2022The governor’s office says public sales at Housing Works Cannabis Co. in Manhattan began that day at 4:20 p.m.
The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
- The Office of Cannabis Management fact sheet dates legalization to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.
- The governor’s sales announcement says the Cannabis Control Board issued the first 36 adult-use retail licenses on November 21, 2022.
- The same announcement identifies Housing Works Cannabis Co., 750 Broadway, as the first adult-use retail dispensary.
Sources
- Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
- issued the first 36 adult-use retail licenses on November 21, 2022
- Chapter 90 of the Laws of 2014, on July 5, 2014
- shall take effect immediately
Citations were checked against the linked pages on October 24, 2026. Claims without a statute, election result, regulator page, court opinion, or news report were left out.