New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08940

Introduced
1/16/26  

Caption

Increases the distance allowed between cannabis storefronts and premises for adult-use on-site consumption and school grounds and houses of worship; restricts their distance with a child day care.

Impact

The impact of S08940 on state laws will result in more stringent zoning regulations for cannabis businesses. By enforcing stricter distance requirements, the bill aims to regulate the locations where cannabis can be sold and consumed. This is expected to affect the current and future planning of cannabis retailers and could limit their ability to secure favorable locations in urban and suburban settings where these sensitive areas are often prevalent.

Summary

Bill S08940 amends existing cannabis law in New York by increasing the distance that cannabis storefronts and premises for adult-use on-site consumption must maintain from sensitive areas such as school grounds and houses of worship. Specifically, the bill proposes to double the minimum distance requirements, raising the limit from 500 feet to 1,000 feet for schools and childcare centers, and from 200 feet to 400 feet for houses of worship. This legislative change reflects growing concerns about the proximity of cannabis retail operations to these important community sites, affecting public safety and youth exposure to cannabis culture.

Contention

Notable points of contention around S08940 likely revolve around the balance between regulating cannabis businesses and ensuring their viability. Supporters argue that the increased distances are necessary for protecting children and families, while opponents might contend that such restrictions hinder business operations and development in the cannabis industry. This legislation may also generate debate on local control versus state-level regulation, particularly in municipalities aiming to attract cannabis-related businesses as part of economic revitalization efforts.

Companion Bills

NY A11107

Same As Increases the distance allowed between cannabis storefronts and premises for adult-use on-site consumption and school grounds and houses of worship; restricts their distance with a child day care.

Previously Filed As

NY A11107

Increases the distance allowed between cannabis storefronts and premises for adult-use on-site consumption and school grounds and houses of worship; restricts their distance with a child day care.

NY S07275

Restricts cannabis storefronts and premises from being located within 500 feet from a school and two hundred feet of a house of worship.

NY A05341

Restricts cannabis storefronts and premises from being located within 500 feet from a school and two hundred feet of a house of worship.

NY A07842

Prohibits vapor products dealer storefronts, cannabis retail licensee storefronts, and adult-use on-site cannabis consumption licenses within one mile of school grounds, houses of worship, parks, and playgrounds, and in mixed-use buildings in which there are one or more residences; requires the revocation of the certificate of occupancy of vapor products dealer storefronts, cannabis retail licensee storefronts, and premises with an adult-use on-site consumption license within one mile of school grounds, houses of worship, parks, and playgrounds, and in mixed-use buildings in which there are one or more residences, in accordance with a specified schedule.

NY S09426

Relates to proximity restrictions for adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption licenses; provides that such dispensaries shall not be located within 500 feet of a public library or an association library.

NY SB999

Baltimore County - Alcoholic Beverages - Distance From Place of Worship Restriction - Exception

NY S08379

Exempts certain property located in the county of Queens from the prohibition of alcohol sales within a certain distance from a place of worship.

NY A08803

Exempts certain property located in the county of Queens from the prohibition of alcohol sales within a certain distance from a place of worship.

NY A08639

Allows the state liquor authority to issue a retail license for on-premises consumption for a premises which shall be located within two hundred feet of a building occupied as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.

NY S08315

Allows the state liquor authority to issue a retail license for on-premises consumption for a premises which shall be located within two hundred feet of a building occupied as a school, church, synagogue or other place of worship.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.