| The undersigned New York State licensed microbusinesses write to express urgent concern regarding the implementation of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act and its impact on our ability to operate viable businesses.
Microbusinesses produce a small number of products compared to dispensaries and over 90% of us cannot operate storefronts and cultivation simultaneously.
We are not seeking new privileges or expanded access to showcases. We are requesting clarification of our existing rights to sell, deliver, cultivate, process, and distribute our own products without additional permits. fees, or storefronts.
Microbusinesses should be treated separately from dispensaries, remain subject to the same compliance and safety requirements. In the same way CAURD were allowed to host open air markets and conduct delivery before securing their storefronts, micros should be afforded the same opportunity.
This clarification does not change the statutory definition of microbusinesses or the Office of Cannabis Management’s authority to regulate events, pop-ups, farmers’ markets, or notice requirements.
We urge the Legislature to adopt technical clarifying language to affirm these rights and restore the intent of the MRTA. Without this clarification, microbusinesses remain blocked from retail sales, unable to fully utilize their license and remain relegated to wholesale sales only. |
