CAURD-Eligible Cannabis Dispensaries Can Now Apply for $30K Grants in NY

18 March 2025

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), in collaboration with Empire State Development (ESD), launches the Conditional Adult-use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) Grant Program, a $5 million initiative designed to assist legal cannabis entrepreneurs with critical business expenses. The program provides grants of up to $30,000 per applicant, reimbursing costs related to commercial rent, security, compliance systems, and operational improvements.

Applications for the program opened on March 18, 2025, and will be processed in the order they are received until funds are exhausted. The program is exclusively available to CAURD license holders, a category of dispensary owners who have been directly affected by past cannabis-related convictions and have demonstrated business experience. Officials describe the initiative as a step toward ensuring a more equitable cannabis market in New York, helping small businesses thrive amid regulatory challenges and market competition.

Further Details and Fact Analysis:

Key Features of the CAURD Grant Program:

• Funding Amount: Each approved applicant can receive up to $30,000 in reimbursement grants.
• Eligible Expenses: Commercial rent, security systems, inventory tracking, point-of-sale systems, regulatory compliance, insurance, and business renovations.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit at least $10,000 in documented business expenses. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Administration: Empire State Development has contracted with FORWARD, a third-party service, to manage and distribute the grants.

Impact on the Industry and Local Market:

• Business Support: The grant program provides critical financial assistance to small cannabis business owners, particularly those facing high operational costs.
• Regulatory Compliance: The initiative reinforces state compliance efforts by helping businesses meet security and tracking system requirements.
• Market Competition: As more licensed businesses enter the market, the grants may help smaller operators compete against larger corporations.
• Social Equity: The CAURD program is part of New York’s broader effort to support individuals who have been impacted by previous cannabis convictions, ensuring they have resources to succeed in the legal industry.

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