New York cannabis shops can offer discounts under new rules

Licensed cannabis retailers in New York can now offer discounts and promotions.New rules approved by the state Cannabis Control Board on Thursday legalized marijuana marketing strategies such as coupons, loyalty programs, bundled discounts and points-based reward systems.

ADVERTISEMENT The decision marks a significant shift for New York’s cannabis industry, which has been advocating for such changes since it launched three years ago.The Office of Cannabis Management projects total sales for 2025 will reach about $1.8 billion.

The new rules are designed to help the stores operate more like traditional retail businesses, promoting customer loyalty and enabling them to compete more effectively in the market.“These changes pave the way for dispensaries to operate more like other retail sectors, enabling them to show appreciation for their customers, build loyalty and differentiate themselves in a competitive market,” Empire Cannabis Manufacturing Alliance President Mack Hueber said in a statement to MJBizDaily.

The approval of the rules follows a proposal made last year and reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to support the legal cannabis market. ADVERTISEMENT Industry leaders have praised Gov.

Kathy Hochul and state regulators for their responsiveness to the needs of the growing sector.“These new rules normalize the cannabis industry,” Osbert Orduña, owner of licensed retailer The Cannabis Place, told the New York Post.

“It gives us the right that other businesses have to offer discounts.”   ...