STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that New York state’s cannabis industry has achieved a historic milestone: surpassing $1 billion in retail sales.

This accomplishment highlights the state’s commitment to building a regulated, equitable, and innovative cannabis market that is positioned as a national leader in cannabis equity, according to the governor.

“This milestone is more than just a number—it’s a testament to the hard work of those who helped build the strongest cannabis industry in the nation: one that prioritizes equity, ensures public safety, and empowers communities,” Hochul stated.

Over 5,250 licenses, permits and registrations were issued or provisionally approved to date in state fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, and 269 adult-use retail dispensaries opened.

More than half of all adult-use licenses in New York have been awarded to social and economic equity applicants. This includes substantial representation from minority- and women-owned businesses.

In the past decade, adult use has increased significantly, with 19% of New Yorkers reporting annual cannabis use, reflecting a 30% rise, and 12% using it monthly, showing a 43% increase.

Furthermore, 67% of consumers who used cannabis in the past year have turned to legal retail sources, indicating a growing trust in the regulated market.

On Staten Island, multiple brick-and-mortar shops opened this year, with more to come in 2025.

Be., High Stone, NugHub, The Flowery, The Weed Shoppe, and ZenZest all opened their doors to Mary Jane-loving Staten Islanders. With their own tailored selections varying from buds to joints to other niche items, every shop has their own distinct flair.

While the legal cannabis business thrived in New York in 2024, the blackmarket took a hit.

As of July, almost 800 illegal marijuana businesses were shut down by the city. Up to that point, the Adams administration issued 41,502 counts of violations amounting to $65,671,487 in penalties, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. The city estimated at the time it seized a total value of $41,443,792 in illegal products.