Retail sales of recreational marijuana in New York State have surpassed $3.3 billion five years after the state implemented legalization. On the 27th,
New York Governor Kathy Hockul stated, “Since the use of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older was legalized in 2021, over 600 licensed recreational marijuana retailers have been operating across the state, including New York City,” adding, “Total sales from these establishments over the past five years have exceeded $3.3 billion.”
She further added, “Moving forward, the state government will prioritize equity, safety, and opportunity, strengthen crackdowns on unlicensed businesses that undermine the legal marijuana market, and guide the recreational marijuana industry to grow properly.”
According to the New York State Marijuana Control Bureau, 57% of state-issued marijuana retail licenses were prioritized for minority businesses, women-owned businesses, struggling farms, and disabled veterans under the Socio-Economic Equity (SEE) Plan. On the same day, New York State also released statistics regarding criminal justice reform and the enhancement of public safety related to the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Regarding criminal justice reform, it was reported that over 400,000 marijuana convictions were expunged, and there were no instances of suspects being incarcerated solely on marijuana-related charges. Furthermore, in 2025 alone, approximately 2,000 illegal marijuana raids were conducted across New York State, resulting in the seizure of illegal marijuana worth $20 million. Additionally, 580 illegal establishments were shut down.