In the Season 3 finale of Joint Session, host Herb Barbot welcomes back Rick Bashkoff, CEO of Lit Alerts, to take a data-driven look at how New York’s cannabis industry has evolved over the past year. With cumulative sales surpassing $3 billion and the number of licensed dispensaries more than doubling year over year, Rick examines the progress behind the headlines and the challenges emerging as the market matures. The conversation explores shifting consumer preferences, price compression, the rise of micro-cultivators, the struggles facing social equity operators, and the continued decline of New York’s medical cannabis market. Rick also discusses the growing pressure on retailers, difficulties attracting investment, the persistent threat of illicit competition, and why stronger business operations are becoming essential for survival. Drawing on Lit Alerts’ market intelligence, he explains how data is helping operators make smarter decisions while highlighting the opportunities and risks ahead. It’s a fitting conclusion to Season 3, replacing speculation with data to examine where New York cannabis stands today and what comes next.
Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis is produced by Herb Barbot, with executive production and marketing by Simlev Media.
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What is Joint Session: Diverse Voices in NYS Cannabis?
Joint Session is your go-to source for the latest cannabis news shaping the New York market. Hosted by Herb Barbot, Esq., the first Director of Operations at the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, this podcast delivers expert insights, breaking developments, and in-depth conversations with the industry’s most influential voices.
From policymakers and legislators to business leaders, licensees, and advocates, Joint Session brings you exclusive interviews with those shaping the future of cannabis in New York and beyond. Plus, we keep you informed with key national and international cannabis updates. Whether you're an industry professional, an advocate, or just curious about the evolving landscape, Joint Session delivers factual, insightful, and digestible information to help you stay ahead of the curve. Tune in for high-level discussions, straight talk, and expert perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.