New York Assembly Bill A01587

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits cannabis retail and on-site consumption licensees from operating such premises within one thousand feet of the perimeter of a school grounds; prohibits the advertising and marketing of cannabis content within one thousand feet of the perimeter of a school grounds, playgrounds, child day care providers, public parks, and libraries.

Summary

This bill amends New York’s cannabis law to expand the distance restrictions on certain cannabis businesses and cannabis advertising. It increases the buffer zone for cannabis retail storefronts and adult-use on-site consumption premises from 500 feet to 1,000 feet from the perimeter of school grounds. It also keeps the existing 200-foot separation from houses of worship for retail and on-site consumption licenses. The bill further tightens advertising and marketing rules by prohibiting cannabis content from being advertised or marketed within 1,000 feet of the perimeter of school grounds, playgrounds, child day care providers, public parks, and libraries. The measure takes effect immediately if enacted.

Impact

The bill would amend multiple sections of the Cannabis Law, primarily sections governing retail location, on-site consumption licensing, and advertising restrictions. It would make it harder for cannabis businesses to site storefronts or consumption venues near schools and would broaden the geographic limits on cannabis marketing near youth-oriented and public spaces. The practical effect would be to reduce the number of eligible locations for cannabis licensees and impose stricter compliance obligations on operators, applicants, and advertisers.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to reflect a precautionary, youth-protective approach to cannabis regulation, emphasizing distance from schools and other sensitive locations. The available record does not show whether the proposal was controversial or broadly supported.

Contention

The main point of contention likely concerns the expanded 1,000-foot school buffer and the broader advertising restrictions near schools, parks, libraries, and child care providers. Supporters would likely view these provisions as protecting children and limiting cannabis visibility in sensitive areas, while opponents may argue that the larger setback distances are overly restrictive, reduce viable business locations, and could disproportionately burden license applicants in dense urban areas. No specific stakeholder positions are included in the provided record.