New York state businesses will soon start selling legal recreational marijuana. Here’s what you should know about how it works.
New Yorkers will be able to purchase legal recreational marijuana by the end of the year. The process has been long, with many ups and downs, but it appears as though the state has finally figured out how to create a new business that benefits those who’ve been affected by the War on Drugs. Here’s what you should know about New York’s legal market.
When can you shop?
RELATED: New York Senate Just Approved This Critical Marijuana Bill
Buying marijuana is still illegal, something that’s confusing for anyone living in New York and witnessing the number of retail shops that are around. Still, this is about to change, with the first recreational dispensaries expected to open by the end of the year.
Who gets a license?
RELATED: New York’s Draft Conditional Retail Regulations Raise Practical Concerns
The first licenses to be handed out will be the ones belonging to the conditional adult-use retail dispensary (CAURD) program. These are 150 licenses provided to “justice involved” applicants, who must also have experience owning and running a business. Applicants can submit their information by the end of August. You can read more details here.
What if you don’t qualify for a license just yet?
RELATED: Cannabis Packaging In New York Is About To Get A Grown-Up Makeover
More licenses are expected to come out soon, with different requirements for different businesses, which range from weed bars to regular dispensaries. This will all be revealed in the coming months, with applicants being only able to apply for one license at a time.