Product Standards, Testing, and Safety

All cannabis products sold in New York must meet Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) requirements for legality, testing, packaging, and labeling. Retailers are responsible for verifying that every item on their shelves is compliant. Selling unapproved or improperly labeled products can result in fines, recalls, or license suspension.

Approved Product Types

Only OCM approved products may be sold in licensed dispensaries.

Allowed products

Flower and pre rolls
Edibles such as gummies and lozenges
Vape cartridges
Beverages, tinctures, and topicals
Concentrates

Not allowed

Products that resemble children’s snacks or candy
Unpackaged or homemade products
Items with misleading potency statements or medical claims

Retailers must confirm that all products received from distributors fall within the approved product categories.

Certificates of Analysis (CoAs)

Every cannabis product must undergo full panel testing at a licensed laboratory before it can be sold.

CoAs must confirm:

Potency profile including THC and CBD
Contaminant testing for heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides
Microbial and mycotoxin screening
Water activity and moisture levels

Retailers are responsible for reviewing the CoA for each batch before it is offered for sale. CoAs must be stored, organized, and available for inspection.

Packaging Requirements

All cannabis products must arrive at the retailer fully sealed and compliant with packaging rules.

Packaging must be:

Child resistant
Tamper evident
Durable and opaque when required

Packaging must not imitate food products or appeal to minors.

Labeling Requirements

Every product label must clearly and accurately display:

THC and CBD amounts per serving and per package
Ingredient list
Net weight or volume
License number and batch identification
Laboratory test date
Required health warnings
New York State universal THC symbol

Retailers must confirm that labels are complete and accurate before products are placed on shelves.

Branding Restrictions

Retailers may not sell or display products that:

Make health or medical claims
Use the term organic without proper certification
Include cartoon characters, youth oriented imagery, or misleading designs
Misrepresent potency, safety, or effects

All warnings and symbols must follow OCM placement and formatting requirements.