New York Cannabis Regulators Announce New Marketing Regulations

The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced Monday that new cannabis marketing regulations have been published in the State Register and are now in effect.

Approved by the Cannabis Control Board (CCB) in November, officials said in a press release that the Packaging, Labeling, Marketing, and Advertising regulations are designed to modernize the industry’s packaging rules and improve marketing flexibility for industry operators. The update also allows for customer loyalty and rewards programs.

“This regulatory package delivers what licensees have asked for: clearer rules, more flexibility, and a more consistent framework across the supply chain. By improving marketing options and resolving longstanding ambiguities, we are giving operators a stronger foundation to succeed — while ensuring regulations remain protective, transparent, and easy to follow.” — CCB Chair Jessica Garcia, in a statement

Packaging-related provisions for display panel information, updated warning statements, and new standards for retail packaging and exit packaging are set to take effect in six months. The other regulations took effect immediately.

The new regulations also establish new definitions for what constitutes a billboard and reaffirm that billboard advertisements are prohibited.

Meanwhile, OCM Acting Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid resigned last week at the request of Gov. Kathy Hochul following the eve-of-trial withdrawal of an OCM case against a cannabis licensee.