The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has introduced a new tool called the Legal Online Cannabis Activities Locator (LOCAL) map, aimed at simplifying the cannabis business application process. This innovative tool is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and affordability for applicants and stakeholders in the cannabis supply chain across the state.
The LOCAL map, accessible online at local.cannabis.ny.gov, utilizes data from the Cannabis Licensing System (CLS) and is a response to feedback from industry participants. It eliminates the need for expensive surveyors, making the application process cost-free and user-friendly. This initiative reflects OCM’s dedication to supporting the needs of both applicants and businesses in the cannabis sector.
Felicia A.B. Reid, the acting executive director of OCM, describes LOCAL as a game-changer for New York’s cannabis industry, providing essential resources for navigating the rapidly expanding market. The map includes two important tools: an industry-focused map for businesses to generate reports, search licenses, export data, and explore various data layers, and a consumer-focused dispensary map to help New Yorkers easily find legal cannabis dispensaries.
Currently, there are 197 adult-use dispensaries operating throughout the state, and the LOCAL tool is expected to facilitate access to safe and regulated cannabis products. For a complete list of dispensaries, individuals can visit the OCM website at cannabis.ny.gov.
This new LOCAL map is a significant development that will benefit both businesses and consumers in the cannabis industry. By providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for applicants, OCM is paving the way for a more streamlined and accessible cannabis market in New York. With the launch of this tool, the state is taking a proactive approach to supporting the growth and regulation of the cannabis industry.
