The total cost of opening a dispensary in New York goes beyond just the license fees. Entrepreneurs should be prepared for additional expenses such as real estate, inventory, staffing, security, and compliance systems. Estimates suggest that the total startup cost can range from $100,000 to $750,000.
Based on the most recent information available, Curaleaf Holdings has the most dispensaries among cannabis companies. As of January 2025, Curaleaf operates over 101 dispensaries across 23 states in the United States. This makes Curaleaf the largest cannabis company by both revenue and number of retail locations.
Other major players in the cannabis dispensary market include:
- LivWell Enlightened Health: 25 locations in Colorado
- Native Roots: 21 locations in Colorado
- The Green Solution: 19 locations in Colorado
- Star Buds: 19 locations in Colorado (owned by Schwazze)
- Green Dragon: 17 locations in Colorado (plus additional locations in Florida)
It’s important to note that the cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, and companies are continuously expanding or consolidating their operations. While Curaleaf currently holds the top position, the landscape of dispensary ownership can change quickly as the market develops and regulations shift across different states.
