Leafly, a prominent online platform for cannabis information, is stepping up its support for the burgeoning legal cannabis market in New York. The company has announced a new partnership with the New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA), a non-profit organization representing New York dispensary owners under the slogan “Collaboration Over Competition.” This collaboration aims to foster a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive cannabis industry within the state.
The partnership will see Leafly and NYCRA co-sponsor a series of industry events in 2024, focused on enhancing the cannabis landscape in New York. Their joint efforts also extend to marketing initiatives designed to educate New Yorkers about the significance of buying legal and locally sourced cannabis.
The move comes at a critical juncture for New York’s legal cannabis market, which has faced challenges from the persistent presence of an illegal market. As noted by Leafly CEO Yoko Miyashita, the influx of unlicensed retailers creates an uneven playing field for licensed operators and can lead to consumer confusion.
This partnership is the latest effort to address the issue of the illicit cannabis market in New York. While state officials and law enforcement have been working to crack down on illegal operations, recent announcements by Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicate that over 1,000 illicit cannabis stores have been shut down, including 779 in New York City alone.
Leafly’s partnership with NYCRA represents a proactive approach to creating a more stable and competitive environment for legal cannabis businesses in New York. Miyashita emphasizes that licensed retailers deserve a fair chance to succeed, and New York residents deserve access to safe, regulated products and informed purchasing decisions.
This partnership marks a significant step in the ongoing evolution of New York’s cannabis market, signaling a commitment to promoting a thriving and responsible industry.
