First legal marijuana dealers in NY to be nonprofits

Bloomberg – State of New York cFirst 37 licenses awarded on Monday for legal sale give a stimulant Fun for little-known entrepreneurs with a criminal record for cannabis and non-profit associations.

These licenses awarded to eight non-profit groups and twenty-nine individualsOf more than nine hundred applicants, the state’s Office of Marijuana Administration reported at a hearing this Monday. 8 new ones confirmed licenses for cannabis processors, so a total of thirty-two for the state. It also authorized three new testing labs, bringing the number to 7 in the state, and set standards for cannabis advertising.

“It has been a collaborative effort. It didn’t happen nothing we won’t take lightly in the state,” he said. Tremaine Wright, Chairman of the New York State Marijuana Control Board. Speakers at the meeting held in Harlem (New York), emphasis today on careful scrutiny of applicants By the state of New York on criteria that would allow him to face the consequences of the old war on drugs.

This measure takes action a fully regulated and taxable cannabis market In the 18 months since the state decriminalized marijuana, it aims to put an end to the so-called marijuana shops that have sprung up all over the city, although sales have not yet started.

new York It will also present one of the greatest proofs. use of the cannabis industry to advance social justice goals in the United States. In addition, it imposes residency requirements, which are contested in court.

those who Licenses obtained to sell marijuana in the state include: Housing Works Cannabis LLC and the nonprofit Doe Fund LLC organization, associated with the not-for-profit organization known for its second-hand stores in the city, where proceeds go to people who are homeless or living with HIV and AIDS. The aim of breaking the cycle of poverty for those released from prison by providing employment, counselling, career and educational opportunities. License holders can open up to three dispensaries.

Licensees were required to have a small business operating history as well as previous cannabis convictions.

hashdfd — New York farms have an abundance of hemp and no retailersDried cannabis plant remains lie in a field at Hudson Cannabis Farm in Hudson, New York, USA, Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Growers in upstate New York are managing to grow a surplus of fresh grass as state retail licenses stagnate. . Photographer: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg(Bloomberg/Angus Mordant)

Founded in New York advertising arrangements will allow images, brands and graphics on products. According to the regulator, licenses for cannabis delivery and consumption halls have not yet been issued and will be issued at a later date.

The regulations are “the final steps in a supply chain that we’ve been building since March,” he said. Chris AlexanderCEO of the Office of Cannabis Management.

Unlike other states that legalize marijuana and run large public companies to market, New York reserved its first licenses for people with a history of marijuana-related crime or their family members.. The plan is designed to address the inequalities of the past while simultaneously keeping the state’s cannabis industry dominated by small businesses such as liquor stores or the craft beer industry.

New York officials had said that legal retail sales should begin by the end of 2022, although it is only a month away. now it looks like the market won’t really be operational on a large scale until 2023.

All businesses licensed to sell regulated cannabis Will be subject to state standards for purity and testing for contaminants It was outlined in a 282-page draft regulation document released before Monday’s meeting. Those who open stores early will likely get an advantageous start from the first wave of legal buyers in the state and have a good chance of keeping them loyal customers.

But at the same time will face stiff competition from an illegal market It is estimated to be worth more than 2 billion US dollars. Illegal shops have proliferated, many from California or Colorado advertising marijuana, and some selling it in locations next to schools or daycare centers, something that New York law prohibits.

The state made no aggressive move to shut them down in hopes that it could attract illegal sellers to regulated business above ground. There was some pressure.

“This is dangerous because you’re going to arrest black and brown small business owners because you think they’re selling marijuana illegally, while you put your emphasis on social justice? It’s complicated,” said the councillor. Carlina RiveraRepresenting the East Village and surrounding neighborhoods.

With the help of Amelia Pollard.