New York launches $5M grant program for cannabis social equity retailers

OG Article

MJBizDaily Staff

March 20, 2025

New York has established a $5 million grant program to support startup costs for adult-use cannabis social equity retail licensees in the state.

The grants, implemented by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and Empire State Development, will fund $10,000 to $30,000 of initial costs for Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses, which are reserved for “justice-involved” individuals and nonprofits that meet certain criteria.

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To apply, CAURD license holders must submit:

• Photo ID.

• CAURD license number and issuance date.

• OCM licensure notice.

• Eligible receipts.

• W-9 form.

Grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.