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On January 8, 2025, New York Assembly Members Phillip Steck (D) and Keith Brown (R) introduced a bipartisan bill that would dramatically alter the state’s cannabis market. If passed, the bill would impose harsh limits on the potency of cannabis, restricting flower to just 15% THC and other cannabis or hemp products to 25% THC. This proposed legislation, while well-intentioned, could have disastrous consequences for New York’s legal cannabis industry, threatening the livelihoods of dispensary owners, farmers, processors, and countless others who rely on this rapidly growing market.
The Potential Fallout for the Legal Cannabis Industry
The bill, known as A00977, threatens to dismantle the legal cannabis market that has taken years to establish in New York. The proposed THC limits are unreasonably low, especially in a state that has quickly become a hub for cannabis innovation. Cannabis flower products in New York often exceed the 15% THC threshold, and many other cannabis products, such as concentrates, edibles, and vapes, are also formulated with higher THC concentrations to meet consumer demand.
The implications of the bill would be far-reaching. Dispensary owners, who have invested heavily in building compliant, licensed businesses, could face devastating losses. The same applies to farmers and processors who rely on the ability to cultivate and produce high-potency products that meet the preferences of consumers. Additionally, third-party organizations that provide critical support services, such as logistics, marketing, and packaging, would also be negatively affected by this misguided regulation.
As a result, the bill could push consumers back into the hands of the black market, where they would continue to have access to stronger cannabis products, but without the safety, quality control, or legal protections provided by the regulated industry. This would deal a blow to the very foundation of the legal cannabis market in New York, setting it back significantly.
The Perspective of Silly Nice’s Co-Founder
LeVar Thomas, Co-Founder of Silly Nice—a Black and Disabled Veteran-Owned cannabis company—expressed his deep concerns about the potential damage this bill could do to his business and the broader industry. “If this bill passes, it will completely destroy our company and the entire New York cannabis market. The legal market is still in its infancy, and this legislation would take us back to the days of the black market, where consumers would no longer trust legal dispensaries for the quality products they demand,” said Thomas.
He went on to highlight the potential harm to veteran-owned and minority-owned cannabis businesses, many of which, like Silly Nice, are still navigating the complexities of the legal market. “This bill shows how out of touch lawmakers are with the realities of the industry. By limiting the potency of cannabis, they’re undermining the work we’ve done to create jobs, invest in our communities, and build a fair market for all. It’s a blow to entrepreneurs like me, and it’s a blow to the thousands of people who depend on the cannabis industry for their livelihoods.”
What Can You Do?
This bill is not just an issue for business owners—it’s a matter that affects consumers, farmers, and anyone who supports the legal cannabis industry in New York. If you value your right to access a range of cannabis products, including those with higher THC levels, now is the time to take action.
We urge all New Yorkers to read the bill and understand its far-reaching consequences. You can find the bill here: NewYork Bill A00977 (2025). Once you’ve read the bill, contact your local representatives and the chairs of the Assembly committees responsible for the legislation. Make sure your voice is heard by sending an email to the following members:
Let your representatives know that this bill does not serve the interests of the public, consumers, or businesses. It’s time to stand up for the future of New York’s cannabis industry and demand that this bill be scrapped.
Why It’s Important to Keep the Legal Cannabis Market Strong
The legal cannabis industry in New York is not just a source of tax revenue—it’s an essential part of the state’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and creating opportunities for small businesses, particularly those owned by veterans and minorities. Silly Nice, for instance, is just one of many Black and disabled veteran-owned businesses that have flourished in New York’s legal cannabis market. But if this bill passes, it would disproportionately harm these small businesses and stifle the growth of the industry.
New York State should not follow in the footsteps of other states that have imposed unnecessarily strict regulations that hamper innovation and market growth. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring that consumers have access to safe, high-quality products, while also supporting the continued success of dispensaries, farmers, and processors who are working tirelessly to build a legitimate cannabis market.
As we head into 2025, now is the time to show lawmakers that the people of New York are committed to a thriving cannabis industry that benefits everyone—consumers, businesses, and communities alike. Don’t let this bill push us backward. Demand better for New York’s cannabis industry.
By taking action, you can help protect the future of New York’s cannabis market and ensure that the legal industry continues to grow and thrive. Speak out, contact your representatives, and let them know that this bill must be discarded for the benefit of all.
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New York’s Proposed Cannabis Bill Threatens Industry Growth: Action Needed – stupidDOPE.com
