New York Governor Signs Bill Expanding Marijuana Microbusiness Role in Showcase Events
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill 10113, allowing licensed marijuana microbusinesses to take on a larger role in cannabis showcase events, effective immediately as of August 6, 2026.
- The new law permits a microbusiness authorized for retail sales, cultivation, and processing to fulfill all three licensing roles required to obtain a cannabis showcase event permit, previously needing partnerships with separate licensees.
- Cannabis showcase events enable licensed businesses to sell marijuana products temporarily at state-approved locations, helping small farms and microbusinesses access consumers directly and compete more effectively.
- The legislation, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey and cosponsored by Senator Liz Krueger, aims to clarify participation rules for microbusinesses, supporting small farmers by expanding market access and leveling the playing field in New York’s legal cannabis market.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation Thursday allowing licensed marijuana microbusinesses to take on a larger role in cannabis showcase events.
Senate Bill 10113, now Chapter 207 of the Laws of 2026, took effect immediately after being signed on August 6. The measure passed the Senate 47 to 13 and the Assembly 88 to 53 before being delivered to Hochul on July 31.
“This new law gives licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market,” Hochul said in an official press release announcing the signing.
Hochul said the change will place small marijuana businesses on a more level playing field, expand access to regulated products and strengthen the state’s legal industry.
Under the new law, a microbusiness authorized to conduct retail sales, cultivation and processing may serve as all three of the licensed businesses required to obtain a cannabis showcase event permit.
A qualifying microbusiness may also serve as the licensed cultivator or processor for another retailer applying to hold an event. Previously, a retailer seeking a showcase permit was required to demonstrate that it was partnering with a separately licensed cultivator and processor.
Cannabis showcase events allow licensed businesses to temporarily sell marijuana products directly to consumers at locations approved by the state Office of Cannabis Management, including pop-ups, farmers’ markets and public market events.
The legislation was sponsored by State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D) and cosponsored by State Senator Liz Krueger (D). The Assembly approved the Senate version after substituting it for Assembly Bill 11217, sponsored by Assemblymember Donna Lupardo (D).
Hinchey said microbusinesses are often small farms without large marketing budgets or easy access to retail markets. She said showcase events give those businesses an opportunity to reach consumers directly with products they cultivated and processed.
According to the bill’s sponsor memo, the law is intended to resolve ambiguities surrounding microbusiness participation in showcase events. Supporters say allowing microbusinesses to participate in every part of an event will help small farmers compete and provide additional opportunities to sell their products.