On September 24th, the New York State Supreme Court delivered a key victory for cannabis retailers by blocking a new rule that could have forced dozens of dispensaries to relocate. The Court upheld OCM’s 2024 guidance, confirming that the required 500-foot distance from schools must be measured from entrance to entrance—not property line to property line. This ruling protects 44 applicants and 108 licensees through February 15, 2026, providing much-needed clarity and stability for the industry.

On September 10, 2025, the Empire State Green Standard Alliance (GSA) launched to protect cannabis consumers across New York through safety, education, and fair policy. The West Firm’s Counsel, Mark J. Wagner, Jr., now serves as a founding board member, leveraging his expertise in cannabis licensing and compliance to support a transparent, accountable, and fair cannabis marketplace.

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