New York: governor scraps cannabis wage board in labor bill

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By Spliff Newsroom · ⏱ 3 min read

New York's governor has signed a cannabis labor bill after removing the proposed wage board for the industry's workers. It shows how a young regulated market is weighing worker protections against costs and competition from the illegal market.

On 29 October 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a cannabis labor bill. She did it while rejecting its key wage provisions, according to Marijuana Moment.

What the wage board would have done

The bill would have created a Cannabis Wage Board. Its job: recommend minimum hourly wages for workers in the industry.

The board would have had three members, including representatives of the licensed cannabis industry and of the New York State AFL-CIO, says Marijuana Moment.

Both chambers of the legislature passed the bill, numbered S10643 and A11562, in June 2026, according to the same outlet.

How the governor got there

Hochul used the chapter amendment process. She signed the bill while committing to enact changes early in the next legislative session, per Marijuana Moment.

Her reasoning, as reported by the outlet: the state’s cannabis industry is still in its early days. A wage board, she argued, would bring uncertainty, heavy reporting duties and higher costs. Those costs could push consumers toward the illegal market.

What stays in the bill

• The current requirement for cannabis businesses to sign labor peace agreements with unions is eliminated.
• The Cannabis Control Board gets discretion to prioritise licence applications from applicants that volunteer to enter such an agreement.

According to Marijuana Moment, how that prioritisation will work is still to be defined.

Industry reaction

Industry groups welcomed the decision. The Empire Cannabis Manufacturers Alliance, the Association of New York Cannabis Processors and the Cannabis Farmers Alliance said it protects farmers, processors and workers. They also said it avoids extra labor costs that could lift consumer prices and sharpen competition with the illegal market.

Safe and Affordable Cannabis for New York called it a major win for the small businesses and workers who built the industry, reports the same source.

The market behind the decision

Adult-use cannabis became legal in New York in March 2021, five years ago. Marijuana Moment cites $4 billion in legal marijuana sales since the regulated market launched, and more than 600 licensed stores open.

What it changes for you

Nothing directly, if you shop in Europe. This is a US state decision, and it does not alter any rule here.

It does show a debate that could echo elsewhere: how much labor regulation a young legal market can carry before prices climb. If you like to understand the products behind such markets, our guide on what edibles are is a good place to start.

What comes next

The amendments are meant to be enacted early in the next New York legislative session. Their exact content is not yet known, so the final shape of the law could still shift.

FAQ

What did the New York governor do with the cannabis wage board?

Governor Hochul signed the labor bill but rejected the provisions creating a Cannabis Wage Board. She plans amendments early in the next legislative session, per Marijuana Moment.

Are labor peace agreements still required in New York cannabis?

The bill removes the current requirement. The Cannabis Control Board may, however, prioritise licence applications from businesses that volunteer for one.

Does this affect cannabis rules in Europe?

No. It is a New York decision and has no direct effect on European markets.

Sources

1. Marijuana Moment — New York Governor Guts Marijuana Worker Minimum Wage Bill At Industry’s Request
2. MJBizDaily — New York governor signs cannabis labor bill, moves to scrap wage board