The History of Cannabis Legalization in New York

New York has a checkered history with cannabis. Once defined by strict enforcement and heavily perpetuating the war on drugs, the state is now emerging as a leader in legalization and reform. This shift towards cannabis legalization has been coming for a long time.

New York’s cannabis legalization has sparked innovation not only from products but also by pioneering local cannabis delivery services. With a focus on equity and accessibility, the state prioritizes convenience while creating opportunities for businesses and delivery services.

Lucky Green Ladies is proud to be part of this evolution. With our incoming New York dispensary and a focus on local delivery services, we are passionate in understanding this nuanced market, it’s history, and how we can best serve our community.

From cannabis prohibition to 1 billion in sales, how did New York do it?

Early Cannabis Laws in New York

New York’s cannabis policies were significantly influenced by the War on Drugs, which started gaining momentum in the 1970s and became more intense during the 1980s and 1990s. Coupled with strict enforcement policies, it led to widespread arrests that disproportionately targeted communities of color.

By the 1990s, the war on drugs had shifted into what many called “the war on marijuana,” leading to an 882% increase in cannabis-related arrests in New York City, including a staggering 2,461% rise in possession offenses. The lasting economic and social impacts, primarily for Black and brown communities, created barriers to housing, employment, and education that perpetuated cycles of poverty and inequality.

The enforcement of cannabis laws in New York ignited years of debate and led to gradual reform policies. Comprehending this history helps clarify how early measures set the stage for current legalization efforts.

The Road to Legalization

New York’s cannabis laws have undergone dramatic changes over the past several decades. What began as harsh enforcement policies rooted in the War on Drugs has shifted toward legalization and regulation.

Each milestone, from decriminalization efforts to medical and adult-use legalization, highlights the state’s evolving approach to cannabis reform.

Decriminalization Efforts (1970s–2010s)

In 1977, New York decriminalized the possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis, reducing penalties to fines instead of jail time.

Arrests still continued to affect Black and brown communities disproportionately. This partial decriminalization did not significantly reduce the social injustices associated with cannabis prohibition.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the War on Drugs intensified, and so did the increased arrests for minor cannabis offenses. The difference in public opinion began to shift, recognizing the war on drugs as a race-based war. As other states piloted medical cannabis programs and awareness grew about the racial disparities in drug law enforcement, advocacy groups called for more comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues.

During the 2010s, momentum around the cannabis movement had increased, with several states moving toward full legalization. New York began exploring how to reform its cannabis laws to reflect evolving public attitudes around the plant.

These developments set the stage for the state’s subsequent steps toward legalization.

Medical Marijuana Legalization (2014)

In July 2014, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Compassionate Care Act into law, establishing New York’s medical marijuana program. The program aims to assist patients with certain illnesses like cancer and epilepsy. Though the program was limited, this marked a significant shift in the state’s approach to cannabis.

The program implemented strict regulations to ensure patient safety, including licensing requirements for manufacturers and dispensaries. The list of qualifying conditions and approved forms of cannabis were limited and weren’t available for recreational use. As time passed, the program expanded to include additional conditions and products to improve accessibility and patient access.

Despite the initial challenges and critique, the NY medical marijuana program laid the necessary groundwork for broader cannabis reforms in the state. It also helped reduce the stigma around cannabis and opened up conversations about the therapeutic benefits, which was critical for the state’s move toward full recreational legalization.

Adult-Use Legalization (2021)

On March 31, 2021, New York legalized adult-use cannabis by enacting the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). This legislation begins to create a regulated recreational market for anyone 21+. The MRTA also hoped to address past injustices by including social equity provisions.

The law created the Office of Cannabis Management to oversee the licensing and regulation of cannabis businesses. It also provides for the expungement of previous marijuana-related convictions, promoting social justice and economic development.

New York’s legal cannabis market reached $1 billion in 2024, and the state continues to refine its regulatory framework to ensure a balanced and equitable industry entering 2025.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management explains that the Cannabis Law clears past marijuana convictions and directs 40% of adult-use cannabis tax revenue to support communities impacted by the War on Drugs.

Lucky Green Ladies and Social Equity 

We recognize that due to the War on Drugs, many individuals and communities have been disproportionately affected and face biases and injustices that hinder their ability to thrive in the legal cannabis industry.

Our founder, Alissa Nowak, faced these same barriers to entering the cannabis industry due to a past drug felony and knows exactly why social equity licensing is vital. Once the Cannabis Control Commission approved her, she successfully launched her business, Lucky Green Ladies, and now advocates for equity in the cannabis industry.

That’s why our mission is to create an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to advancing equity in the cannabis industry. To drive our mission home, we help Legacy Market entrepreneurs successfully transition into regulated market roles through mentorship and education. Learn more about our social equity program here.

The push for equity in the cannabis industry reflects broader changes happening across New York, where legalization aims to create opportunities for those impacted by past enforcement.

What Legalization Means for New Yorkers

Cannabis legalization in New York has expanded access to licensed dispensaries, delivery services, manufacturers, and cultivators, providing New York residents with pesticide-free, compliant, and regulated cannabis options. These changes make cannabis more accessible for consumers, empowering people to incorporate it into their wellness journeys with confidence.

Legalization creates opportunities to promote social equity by supporting local programs and economic growth through the creation of new jobs and new opportunities. These changes make cannabis more accessible for consumers, empowering people to incorporate it into their wellness journeys with confidence.

Serving Local Communities with Lucky Green Ladies

New York’s path to cannabis legalization reflects decades of reform and advocacy. From early decriminalization to adult-use legalization, the state has prioritized equity, accessibility, and sustainable development.

Lucky Green Ladies is proud to support New York communities with legal cannabis delivery and local cannabis delivery developed for the everyday New York customer. We’re bringing high-quality products and reliable service to New York cannabis consumers. As demand grows, our focus remains on local cannabis delivery, pairing accessible cannabis products with convenience service, ensuring New Yorkers have seamless access to legal cannabis.

We believe the cannabis industry should be an equitable and inclusive space. One of the most impactful ways to promote social equity is by supporting small businesses that prioritize fairness and inclusion.

Check out our New York page to learn more about our Kingston dispensary and the areas we deliver to . See how we’re committed to serving the community and becoming part of the most accessible and innovative markets in the country.