By HWM

New York has officially reached a major milestone in its rapidly expanding legal cannabis industry.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) recently announced the opening of its 500th licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary—Green Comfort—in Rochester.

Located in Monroe County, Green Comfort’s debut reflects what state officials describe as a maturing, multi-billion-dollar industry built on equity, safety, and economic growth.

“The growing number of licensed dispensaries reflect a market that’s maturing with purpose,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, acting executive director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, in a press release. “Each new business represents economic growth, community investment, and safer access for consumers. Together, they signal that New York’s legal cannabis market, industry innovation, and consumer demand are showing no signs of slowing down.”

Jessica Garcia, chair of the New York State Cannabis Control Board, emphasized that the milestone is about more than numbers. “Every licensed storefront represents a vetted operator, tested products, and a community choosing safer cannabis,” she said. She added that the state’s continued momentum reflects a commitment to “equity, compliance, and consumer protection.”

Equity advocates also see the achievement as proof that New York’s framework is working. “Equity has been the foundation of this market from the start,” said Simone Washington, chief equity officer at OCM. “Reaching this milestone reinforces that progress is possible when fairness is built and embedded into the system.”

For Green Comfort, the recognition carries deep personal meaning. “It is truly an honor to be recognized as NYS’s historic 500th licensed dispensary. It is really a labor of love and passion from myself, David and all the staff here at Green Comfort,” said CEO and General Manager Tim Tanavung in a press release. “We’re excited to foster a vessel in which we can give back to the community, the city of Rochester and the state.”

The milestone comes as New York’s regulated market surpasses $2 billion in adult-use retail sales since the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) passed. With 522 licensed dispensaries now open across 51 counties, the industry supports an estimated 25,000 jobs and continues to push illegal operators out of the marketplace through enforcement and compliance oversight by the Trade Practices Bureau.

According to the state reports, 56 percent of licenses have been awarded to Social and Economic Equity applicants, backed by more than $12 million invested into grants, technical assistance, and community reinvestment. Every regulated purchase contributes to the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund, which supports programs in communities disproportionately harmed by past criminalization.

Photo, From Left to Right–Tim Tanavung, CEO/General Manager, Green Comfort Dispensary, Malik Evans, Mayor of the City of Rochester, Felicia A. B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of The NYS Office of Cannabis Management, Harry B. Bronson, NYS Assemblyman, District 138, (Source). 

Latest Posts:

• New York State Celebrates 500th Licensed Cannabis Dispensary
• Sponsored Love: Wall Printer A Revolution In Interior Decoration And A New Business Opportunity
• Sponsored Love: Top Writing Mistakes A Grammar Checker Can Fix (And How A Sentence Rewriter Improves Clarity)
• Sponsored Love: Finding Balance In Skincare Amid City Chao
• Sponsored Love: Wall Printer A Revolution In Interior Decoration And A New Business Opportunity