•Last week, the New York State Cannabis Control Board approved 52 new adult-use licenses, bringing the state’s total to 1,851. The licenses include one for cultivation, five for distributors, six for microbusinesses, 23 for processors, and 17 for retail dispensary locations. Of the new licensees, 62% are part of the state’s Social and Economic Equity program. Overall 56% of all licenses awarded have gone to Social and Economic Equity candidates, with over half of those businesses owned by women and just under half are minority-owned. The state is forecasting more than $1 billion in sales for this year, with lifetime sales exceeding $2 billion.

•A new hemp-THC cocktail brand, Orra, is set to hit shelves in select markets across the U.S. The non-alcoholic spirit comes in four flavors—Strawberry Basil, Cucumber Watermelon, Spicy Ginger Mule, and Chili Lime Mango—with each serving containing 5mg of THC. Orra, positioned as a cocktail alternative, as opposed to the myriad THC seltzer brands on the market, comes in a 750-ml. bottle with a suggested price of $40. In addition to its upcoming retail placements, Orra is available for pre-order for DTC shipping.