Newly released year-end reports from the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), highlighted by CannabisWire, show a clear shift in the state’s cannabis enforcement landscape.
In 2025, New York’s legal cannabis market reached $1.6 billion in total sales, with more than 500 open dispensaries and 2,000 licensees operating across the supply chain. At the same time, enforcement activity declined significantly.
According to OCM, inspections dropped from 1,122 in 2024 to 248 in 2025—a decrease of roughly 78%. Notices of violation fell by approximately 78%, declining from 827 to 180, while orders to seal dropped about 80%, from 449 to 89. The value of seized cannabis also declined by nearly 71%, falling from $68.5 million to approximately $20 million year over year.
OCM attributed much of this reduction to an injunction that limited the agency’s ability to conduct comprehensive inspections and restricted the involvement of other agencies in enforcement actions. Our Cannabis, Hemp & Psychedelics Practice Group was proud to be a part of the legal effort in the Super Smoke N Save matter, securing an injunction restraining OCM from engaging in warrantless raids in violation of the Fourth Amendment. As the Court explained: “In sum, how [OCM] conducted their enforcement activities against petitioners was a far cry from an administrative inspection seeking to cull evidence of regulatory violations. The court often hears cases … involving state inspectors inspecting business – there, regulators come armed with clipboards, forms and pens, and not guns, bulletproof vests and handcuffs.”
As New York’s cannabis industry continues to mature, operators should expect more targeted enforcement and increased scrutiny in key compliance areas, making experienced legal guidance essential. Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal services to businesses, professionals, and investors in the cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics industries ensuring compliance and protecting against unlawful government overreach.
