The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has unveiled a game-changer for the state’s burgeoning cannabis industry: the Legal Online Cannabis Activities Locator (LOCAL). This new online mapping tool aims to streamline the licensing process, making it simpler and more accessible for businesses across the state.
LOCAL leverages data from the Cannabis Licensing System (CLS) to provide a comprehensive and transparent platform. Previously, cannabis license applicants had to rely on professional surveying services to meet regulatory requirements, a process that was both expensive and time-consuming. LOCAL eliminates this hurdle, offering a cost-free alternative that businesses can utilize independently.
“LOCAL is a paradigm shift for New York’s cannabis industry, providing both businesses and stakeholders with the resources they need to successfully navigate the rapidly growing market,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, acting executive director of OCM. “This application reflects OCM’s commitment to transparency and to action based on listening to the needs of the market.”
Key Features of the LOCAL Map
The LOCAL map is designed to serve both industry professionals and consumers. It offers two main components:
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Industry-Focused Map:
This powerful tool is a boon for applicants, licensees, and stakeholders. It provides features such as proximity reports, license searches, data exports, and layered data navigation. This allows businesses to make informed decisions about compliance and location requirements, reducing their reliance on third-party services.*
Consumer-Focused Dispensary Map:
Expected to launch in the coming weeks, this feature will enable New Yorkers to easily locate the nearest legal dispensary. By providing access to safe, regulated cannabis products, it aims to further strengthen the state’s legal cannabis market.LOCAL: Supporting Growth in the Cannabis Industry
The OCM’s rollout of LOCAL is part of a broader effort to support the growing cannabis industry in New York. Currently, there are 197 licensed adult-use dispensaries operating across the state. By making the licensing process more accessible and affordable, the state aims to encourage the growth of more cannabis businesses while ensuring compliance with New York’s regulations.
This tool aligns with OCM’s commitment to listening to stakeholder feedback, making it a critical resource for applicants across the cannabis supply chain. “The LOCAL map is not just about efficiency—it’s about responding to the real-world needs of those involved in the cannabis industry,” Reid concluded.
