On Monday morning the New York State Office of Cannabis Management approved two Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses for operators in the City of Binghamton, as a part of 36 total licenses given out across the state.

The CAURD license is a central part of New York State's Seeding Opportunity Initiative, which looks to give opportunities to those who have been most impacted by the enforcement of the prohibition of cannabis, or nonprofit organizations whose services include support for the formerly incarcerated. 

On Point Cannabis Inc. on Main Street in Binghamton, as well as William Durham who operates W.H. Convenience -- have been approved to be amongst the first to sell legal adult-use cannabis products in New York, which will also be grown by New York farmers. 

City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham shared what the opportunity means in a press release following the announcement:

“With City Hall’s proactive steps passing local zoning and advancing economic development projects, Binghamton is ready to maximize the opportunities that adult-use cannabis brings in terms of new jobs, investment and tax revenue for our community." explained Kraham. "As we position Binghamton as a leader in the burgeoning cannabis market, we will also ensure the industry grows in a responsible manner that benefits residents.”

In addition, the Board approved a permit for Keystone State Testing LLC, which is a laboratory based in Harrisburg, PA -- however it will be responsible for the dispensaries here in Broome County, helping bring safer cannabis products onto their shelves through their thorough testing procedures.

More information on Binghamton's next steps will be provided in the coming days.