,000 applications still pending.
New York’s Legal Cannabis Industry Faces Roadblocks and Delays
After the long-awaited legalization of cannabis for adult use in New York, the journey has been anything but smooth sailing. Multiple roadblocks have hindered the industry’s full potential, causing frustration for growers, business owners, and other cannabis professionals.
Lawsuits and Leadership Changes Delay Dispensary Openings
Despite the official legalization, the opening of legal cannabis dispensaries has been delayed due to a number of lawsuits and a change in gubernatorial leadership. This has allowed the illicit market to thrive, with illegal shops outnumbering legal ones in the state.
Queens Community Board Chairwoman Calls for Halt on New Dispensaries
As the wait for licenses continues, some New York lawmakers are proposing a different approach that could further delay the industry’s growth. Queens Community Board 9 Chairwoman Sherry Algredo has argued that no new licensed cannabis shops should be added to her district until illegal operations are shut down.
Community Concerns Over Illicit Cannabis Shops
According to a report by the New York Post, Algredo stated that the board has received numerous concerns from residents about the proliferation of illegal smoke shops in their district. She believes that these establishments have had a negative impact on the community and should be shut down before any new licensed shops are allowed to open.
Board Recommendations Influence Policy Decisions
While Algredo’s statement may seem definitive, the community board’s recommendations are only advisory to state regulators. However, they can still have an influence on final policy decisions. The law that legalized cannabis in New York also requires applicants for cannabis licenses to notify the community board in the area they plan to operate and appear before it before opening their businesses.
Governor Hochul’s Efforts to Combat Illicit Cannabis Operations
The issue of illicit cannabis shops in New York has been an ongoing conversation, and Governor Kathy Hochul and other lawmakers have been working to address it. In April, Hochul announced new initiatives aimed at shutting down illegal operations and protecting the legal cannabis marketplace. This includes giving the Office of Cannabis Management and local municipalities more authority to take action against illicit shops.
Progress in the Legal Cannabis Market
Despite the challenges, there has been progress in the legal cannabis market in New York. Last month, the 100th adult-use store opened in the state, and the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) recently announced the approval of 101 additional adult-use cannabis licenses. However, with over 4,000 applications still pending, it is clear that there is still a long way to go for the industry to reach its full potential in New York.
