Retail dispensaries, microbusinesses, and registered organizations with dispensing seeking a final license from the Office of Cannabis Management must provide a municipal notice to Community Boards. To learn more about applying for a license from the Office of Cannabis Management, visit their website. Applicants who provide notice to Community Board 12M will be scheduled to appear before the Cannabis Task Force.
Who Can Apply for a OCM license with Community Board 12-Manhattan
Only CAURD license holders, applicants or licensees for retail dispensaries, microbusinesses, and registered organizations with proof of control of a location will be considered to appear before the Board. If you do not yet have a lease for a location, you must resubmit notice when a location and lease is secured. The exact location of a future business is critical for CB12M’s consideration of how a business may impact its surrounding area.
How to apply for a OCM license with Community Board 12-Manhattan
Step 1: Submit Notification to the Community Board
Under Section 76 of the Cannabis Law, applicants must notify the community board at least 30 days before submitting their application to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). This notification must be made using the official Notification to Municipality form (OCM-32001). The community board’s review process begins once it receives this notification.
You must submit your notification to the CB12M District Office located at 530 West 166th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10032, using one of the following methods:
- Certified mail (return receipt requested)
- Overnight delivery service (with proof of mailing)
- Personal delivery
To have your application reviewed at the next Cannabis Task Force meeting, you must submit this notification at least 21 days before the next scheduled meeting. The Cannabis Task Force meets on the first Monday of every month. Submitting your notification on time ensures your application can be reviewed without delay.
Step 2: Post Public Notice
After the notification form is received, CB12M will provide you with a public notice, which must be posted immediately on the storefront exterior of the proposed dispensary. This ensures the community has enough time to provide comments and participate in the review process. Failure to post the notice will result in your application not being reviewed.
- Proof Required: You must submit a date-stamped photo of the posted public notice along with your application materials outlined below.
- Keep the notice posted until the day after the Cannabis Task Force meeting.
- If you encounter any issues with posting the notice, contact the Community Board 12M District Office immediately for guidance.
Step 3: Submit Your Materials
You must complete and submit the following materials by email to [email protected] at least 10 days before your scheduled review:
- CB12 Cannabis Licensing Questionnaire
- Proof of Lease (signed by landlord)
- Copy of Lease (only for eligibility purposes)
- Establishment Floorplan
- Proof of posting CB12M Public Hearing Notice in a clearly visible location on or around storefront (i.e. photographs)
- For Micro Businesses: Additional Questions for Micro Business CB12M Applicants
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If any required information or documents are missing, your application will be returned, and you will need to resubmit a new Notification to Municipality form and complete application for consideration at a future meeting.
Step 4: Cannabis Task Force Meeting Review
CB12M will then provide you with a date and time for your review. The Cannabis Task Force meets on the first Monday of every month at 6:30 PM, unless otherwise announced. Applicants must attend to answer any questions about their application. Failure to appear will result in an unfavorable recommendation. If there are any changes to your application, notify the district office as soon as possible.
- Applicants should bring a copy of all submitted documents, including but not limited to, completed questionnaire, supporting documents, and letters of support.
- The task force will review applications, hear public comments, and vote on a recommendation.
- The task force’s recommendation is then referred to the full board for a vote at the general Community Board 12-Manhattan meeting
Step 5: General Board Review
The Community Board meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM (except during the summer recess in July and August) to vote on Cannabis Task Force recommendations. Applicants may attend but are not required.
Important Deadline Summary
- Submit Notification to CB12 – 21 days before Cannabis Task Force Meeting
- Post Public Notice – Immediately after receipt from Board’s District Office
- Submit Proof of Public Notice & Completed Questionnaire – 10 days before Task Force Meeting
- Attend Cannabis Task Force Meeting – First Monday of the month
- Attend General Board Meeting (if desired) – Last Tuesday of the month
For any questions, please contact the Community Board 12 office at 212-568-8500 or [email protected].