With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in New York, officials are announcing plans for licensed cannabis retail. In a never before seen move, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced who will be the first recipients of the inaugural New York cannabis retail licenses. The first licenses will go to individuals who have been convicted of cannabis-related offenses or the relatives of those convicts. This push is made to assure that families impacted by the War On Drugs can obtain an early spot in this billion-dollar industry.
Uplifting The Community
Other states have observed a disproportionate opportunity for entry into the cannabis retail industry. Smaller mom-and-pop shops generally don’t have the capital to open a business. Additionally, these small shops might be in direct competition with large corporations. With factors of race, ethnicity, and histories of incarceration, this problem gets compounded.
It’s no secret that in New York, the War On Drugs disproportionally impacted communities of Black and Latino people. As a result, Chris Alexander of the Office of Cannabis Management stated that he expects the first 100-200 licenses to go to families who have had a member incarcerated for marijuana-related charges.
Included in the legislation is a proposed $200 million fund to uplift and support store owners. Obtaining and renovating storefronts will be possible thanks to this funding. This assistance is almost a necessity considering New York’s skyrocketing rent prices.
Other states have attempted to put their people first, but still face problems with social equity. For example, California’s roll-out faced multiple bureaucratic and financial obstacles. These obstacles barred many families impacted by the War On Drugs from entering the industry. New York has learned from this and, in return, has proposed a bill that directly supports the people.
Photo by @mikepetrucci via Unsplash
The Bill’s Reception
Due to its focus on putting the people first, the bill has seen widespread support from communities. Some state that allowing previously incarcerated members to gain a New York cannabis retail license first equates to reparations for the families impacted by the War On Drugs. Before this, having a drug charge on your record would bar you from many forms of work. Hopefully, now the connotation of such a charge will change, and people will be able to come out on the other side with a start to generational wealth.
Alexander predicts the first in-state dispensaries to open up starting at the end of 2022. Then, this will be followed by many more in early 2023. Thankfully, knowledge is on New York’s side. We hope to see a roll out that is a fair and supportive retail model for their people.
More Content
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BACKWOODS AND HIP-HOP
TERPENES FOR ANXIETY: 3 TERPS IN CANNABIS WITH STRESS-RELIEVING PROPERTIES
RAPPER WEED: WHICH RAPPERS HAVE CANNABIS PRODUCTS IN THE MARKET? WHO ACTUALLY HAS THE FIRE?
18 COMPANIES THAT DON’T DRUG TEST THEIR EMPLOYEES FOR WEED
7 TIPS FOR MARKETING CANNABIS AND CBD ON TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM
