Small NY businesses now allowed to peddle pot at farmers markets, too: One of fastest growing industries

It’s farm-fresh devil’s lettuce.New Yorkers can now get all the fresh, leafy greens they want at farmers markets after Gov. Hochul signed a new law allowing small cannabis vendors to join the big guys and sell their products there.State-licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries can set up pop-up shops at the public markets and community events after Hochul extended the state’s Cannabis Showcase Event permits to small businesses, her office announced Thursday.Under the new legislation, small farms and dispensaries will be able compete with larger cannabis corporations with larger marketing budgets, supporters said.The licensed microbusinesses are only permitted their own cannabis products at the events.“This new law gives licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market,” Hochul said in a statement. “By opening the door for legal operators to sell at approved community events and farmer’s markets we are putting small entrepreneurs on a level playing field, expanding consumer access to safer, regulated products and strengthening one of New York’s fastest growing industries.”Hochul initially signed the Cannabis Showcase Events legislation in March 2025 that allowed large licensed adult-use dispensaries to showcase their products at events like farmers markets.The new bill was introduced to the state legislature by upstate state Democratic Sen.

Michelle Hinchey in April.“Showcase events, like farm markets, give these small businesses a perfect way to reach consumers with their homegrown products,” Hinchey said in a statement.“With summer here and New Yorkers excited to shop outside, it’s critical that cannabis microbusinesses can participate in showcase events alongside retailers and other licensees — and our legislation makes that possible.”The sale of recreational marijuana was legalized in New York in 2021.The Empire States legal cannabis market has since surpassed $2.5 billion ...