New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda Introduces Bill to Expand Business Activities for Cannabis Licensees. S5346

As the New York State Senator representing the 32nd District, I am proud to announce my sponsorship of Bill Number S5346, an act to amend the cannabis law. The purpose of this bill is to allow municipalities with jurisdiction over the premises to permit a licensee to conduct business activities on the premises other than smoking, vaping, or ingestion of cannabis.

This amendment is essential to the continued growth of New York's cannabis industry, which was recently legalized for adult-use under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). As we work to create a framework that promotes social equity and economic development, it is important that we provide licensees with the ability to conduct business activities on their premises.

Section 1 of the bill amends Subdivision 9 of section 77 of the cannabis law to provide that a municipality with jurisdiction over the premises may, by local law, permit a licensee to conduct business activities on the premises other than the smoking, vaporizing, and ingesting of cannabis or cannabis products. This includes selling non-cannabis-infused food, selling non-alcoholic beverages, and allowing and selling tickets for live musical or other performances not otherwise prohibited.

Existing law under the MRTA permits the creation of on-site consumption lounges, and this bill expands on that framework by allowing for additional business activities. This bill is also justified by research from Canna Connection, which shows that cannabis lounges will be good for the community by providing a space for adults to consume cannabis without inconveniencing others, and allowing children to avoid second-hand smoke.

Moreover, this bill can assist the disproportionate amount of marginalized individuals who were in jail or prison due to marijuana charges, to develop a more successful and profitable business. By providing additional business opportunities for licensees, we can promote social equity and economic development in communities that have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.