New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has unveiled a plan to introduce cannabis farmers’ markets this summer to address the challenges faced by limited retail outlets. With only 13 operational retailers in the state, cannabis growers have struggled with a surplus of products they had intended to sell to suppliers.
Details of the Plan
During a meeting with the Cannabis Association of New York, OCM director of policy John Kagia explained the strategy that would enable cannabis growers and retailers to collaborate and sell their products outside of traditional storefronts. According to Cannabis Insider, a minimum of three growers and a retailer can organize events where cannabis flower and pre-rolls can be sold at non-storefront locations. To foster accessibility, the OCM plans to grant permission for these markets to take place wherever municipal approval can be obtained.
Positive Reception and Concerns
The introduction of cannabis farmers’ markets has received praise from industry experts who cite the success of similar events across the state. However, some stakeholders, such as Coss Marte, founder of CONBODY fitness studio and CONBUD, expressed doubts about the ability of these markets to fully address the financial distress faced by pot farmers due to the overwhelming surplus of stored cannabis.
As New York strives to establish a functional retail cannabis market, the introduction of cannabis farmers’ markets offers a potential solution to the supply chain gridlock. However, further measures are essential to deal with the financial distress faced by growers to ensure the long-term success of the state’s cannabis industry.
