New York marijuana regulators are celebrating the opening of the state’s 500th legal cannabis dispensary—touting the fact that there have been $2.3 billion in adult-use sales since the market launched, supporting an estimated 25,000 jobs across the industry.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Green Comfort Dispensary became the 500th licensed adult-use marijuana retailer to open its doors in the state since the market launch in late 2022.
Felicia A.B. Reid, acting executive director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), said in a press release that the “growing number of licensed dispensaries reflect a market that’s maturing with purpose.”
“Each new business represents economic growth, community investment, and safer access for consumers,” she said. “Together, they signal that New York’s legal cannabis market, industry innovation, and consumer demand are showing no signs of slowing down.”
Beyond the 500-shop milestone, OCM also highlighted other statistics about the industry’s growth—including the approval of 1,949 adult-use cannabis businesses across license types. Dispensaries are now present in 51 counties and 161 municipalities statewide.
“Every licensed storefront represents a vetted operator, tested products, and a community choosing safer cannabis,” Jessica Garcia, chair of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), said. “Reaching 500 shows
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