New York Grants Another 165 Cannabis Licenses Though Social Equity Remains A Concern

Following a lawsuit and prolonged delay, the New York Cannabis Control Board (CCC) has finally awarded 99 conditional adult-use retail dispensary licenses, bringing the total number of permits to 165.

This move comes less than a week after a federal court lifted an injunction that prevented New York state regulators from issuing licenses for the sale of marijuana in various regions.

Good News For Adult-Use Marijuana Retail Applicants

The licenses granted included 13 applicants from Brooklyn, Central New York, Western New York and the Mid-Hudson regions. A lab in Rochester also received approval. CCC chairwoman Tremaine Wright expressed enthusiasm. "This might be one of the happiest meetings we’re having all year. A little bit of joy in this room. This is nice."

According to 7abc WKBW Buffalo, four of these licenses were awarded to people with previous cannabis convictions, marking the first time that such licenses were granted statewide.

Chris Alexander, executive director of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) noted that approval of these licenses will help establish a diverse and robust supply chain and ensure meaningful participation of individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. “There absolutely is a need for more dispensaries,” Alexander said. “We’re working tirelessly to get those additional dispensaries open so that product has a place to go.”

OCM’s director of policy, John Kagia stated: “The goal here is to very expeditiously adopt the final adult-use regulations so the (OCM) can open the application period for adult-use licenses by the end of the year,” per the Green Market Report.

Still Some Bugs To Work Out

State regulators still have not reached the social and economic equity plan deadline. By January 1, 2023, the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) required the OCM’s chief equity officer to provide a report to the Cannabis Control Board on this plan, so it could be sent to the legislature. But, that did not happen.

According to a spokesperson from OCM, the equity plan is delayed again because the agency took the time to focus on “invaluable public input” to ensure it’s included in the document, which is “nearing completion," per MSN.

Possible Solution?

The OCM has launched an accelerator program to support recreational marijuana dispensary owners in the state. The program is exclusively available to Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) license holders and will provide them with training and services to help their businesses thrive.

According to High Times, the program was developed in partnership with Our Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit digital native mentorship program that assists independent BIPOC cannabis entrepreneurs in legal marijuana states.

Photo: Courtesy Of Avi Werde On Unsplash