CANY’s 2025 policy platform

Restoring Communities

Licensing clarity. Transition remaining CAURD licenses into full adult-use retail licenses.
Approve December “Q” licenses. Clear the pending queue to relieve supply-chain bottlenecks and spur job growth.
PC&A waiver limits. Narrow processing/cultivation waivers so vertically integrated operators don’t crowd out independents.
Private-brand products. Allow white-label and house-brand SKUs to diversify offerings and improve margins for small retailers.

Micro-expansion pause. Push back on proposals that dramatically increase retail square footage before existing shops are stable.
Community restoration. Incentivize energy-efficient builds and responsible waste practices to repair past environmental harm.

Stop unregulated hemp beverages. Support statewide action against low-THC drinks sold outside the licensed market.
Enforce two-tier rules. Crack down on wholesalers or brands that bypass fair-trade regulations.
Shut illegal stores. Prioritize closure of gray-market locations that siphon revenue from compliant operators.

$500 K ESD fund release. Unlock Empire State Development dollars earmarked for retailer working capital.
End BOGO promos that favor ROs. Level the playing field so independents can compete on value, not subsidies.
Cultivator Revitalization Fund (CRF). Provide up to $300 K in reimbursable grants to Qualified Small Cannabis Businesses for payroll and operating expenses in 2025–26.
Investment Tax Credit expansion. Extend “new-business” eligibility to entities up to eight years old (excludes short tax years), letting 2017–18 licensees claim refundable credits in 2025–26.

Cross-micro retailing. Allow microbusinesses to stock other micro-made products.
Purchase cap → 1,500 lb/year. Increase annual buying limit for flower and biomass used in house-branded goods.
Processing limit → 5,000 lb/year. Permit additional throughput for non-cultivated material.
Retail radius → 100 mi. Expand allowable storefront distance from cultivation site (for areas < 1 M population).
Canopy growth path. Boost allowable canopy by 50 % each year (next 3 yr) if 80 % of prior space was utilized; half of new space reserved for diversity businesses.
Fast-track activity changes. Expedite OCM approvals for microbusiness operational updates.

Last updated: April 2025 — Questions? policy@cany.org