Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to New York's Unique Market Needs
Catalyst BC offers comprehensive guidance and solutions, customized to help your business thrive in New York’s regulated cannabis industry. Contact us today to get started!
About New York
New York is one of the most dynamic and culturally rich states in the U.S., often recognized as the epicenter of finance, arts, and global influence. Home to over 20 million residents, it is the fourth most populous state in the nation. The state capital, Albany, anchors New York’s governmental operations, while New York City, the largest city in the U.S., serves as a global hub for commerce, culture, and innovation. Known as “The Empire State,” New York boasts a diverse economy encompassing industries such as finance, technology, entertainment, and agriculture. Landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, and Times Square make it a magnet for tourists from around the world.
Demographically, New York reflects a vibrant melting pot with residents from every corner of the globe. This diversity drives its rich cultural tapestry, evident in its cuisine, festivals, and neighborhoods. The state also offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, from the Adirondack Mountains to the Finger Lakes. A pioneer in social progress, New York is often at the forefront of major policy changes, including cannabis reform.
Legal Status of Cannabis in New York
New York legalized recreational cannabis on March 31, 2021, through the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA). Adults aged 21 and older can legally possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrate for personal use. Home cultivation of up to six plants per residence is allowed. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) regulates the industry, overseeing licensing, compliance, and equity programs.
Medical cannabis has been legal in New York since 2014, initially for a limited range of conditions. Recent reforms expanded access, reducing barriers for patients and allowing smokable flower. The state emphasizes social equity, allocating licenses and funding to communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement. The adult-use market is expected to be a significant economic driver, with tax revenues supporting public schools, drug treatment programs, and community reinvestment.
Catalyst BC, in alignment with the state’s efforts, provides New York hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers extensive seed-to-sale support including licensing and applications, business strategy, financial planning, start-up support and more.
Legal Status of Hemp Farming in New York
Hemp farming is fully legal in New York under the state’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, established in compliance with the federal 2018 Farm Bill. Administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the program requires farmers to obtain a license to cultivate hemp. Strict THC limits of 0.3% are enforced to distinguish hemp from marijuana, and growers must comply with detailed testing and reporting requirements to ensure product integrity. The program supports research and market development for industrial hemp as a renewable resource.
New York’s hemp industry encompasses a variety of applications, including textiles, food, and CBD products. The state has established comprehensive guidelines for processing, packaging, and labeling to protect consumers and uphold quality standards. To foster growth in the industry, Catalyst BC provides consulting resources to hemp farmers and businesses, helping New York in positioning itself as a leader in the development of sustainable and innovative hemp-based products.
Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in New York
Launching and operating a cannabis business in New York is a competitive and highly regulated process requiring expert guidance to navigate effectively.
With a proven track record of success, Catalyst BC supports New York based businesses at every stage including Business Strategy, Financial Planning, Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround. Book a complimentary consultation today.
Free eBook: Starting A Legal Cannabis Business
Discover the secrets to building a thriving cannabis business with our free eBook, Starting a Legal Cannabis Business: From Formation to Acquisition! This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of launching and scaling a cannabis business, from navigating regulations and securing licenses to optimizing operations and planning your exit strategy. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an experienced operator, this resource is packed with expert insights to help you succeed in this dynamic industry. Download your free copy today and take the first step toward cannabis business success!
Other Services
Business Strategy
Collaborative efforts to create a personalized and comprehensive business and operational plans tailored to your market, resources, and vision.
Financial Planning
Strategy and creation of a bespoke financial model based on historical inputs specific to selected corporate structure, facilities, and market conditions.
Licensing & Applications
Catalyst has secured over 57 licenses in merit-based and highly competitive application and RFP processes with a win rate of nearly 96%
Facility Design
Design-assist aligns designs and calculations with proven methods, equipment, and systems successfully used in world-class facilities.
Startup Support
Proven expertise and track record of supporting licensed and conditionally licensed businesses from build-out to operational excellence.
Genetic Development
Design and implement propagation and breeding programs that produce unique and proprietary cultivars that maximize productivity and profitability.
Business Turnaround
Our team brings over 60 years of regulated cannabis industry experience, expertly assessing situations, crafting strategies, and achieving client goals.
Operational Optimization
Catalyst's team of experts provides guidance and support for all types of cannabis business, including cultivation, retail, extraction, distribution, and delivery
Contact Us
Enough about us. We want to hear more about you, your project, and your vision! Get in touch with a real live person today. Don’t worry, we don’t have a long, confusing phone menu, and your email isn’t going to the abyss, we promise. At Catalyst, we provide the service and support we’d want to experience ourselves!