Why There Are Still So Few Places that (Legally) Sell Marijuana in New York
Court challenges and bureaucratic roadblocks have created hurdles for would-be cannabis sellers in the state.
Since New York State legalized marijuana two and a half years ago, its effort to set up the industry has been a slow and bumpy ride.
By now, there were supposed to be more than 150 licensed dispensaries in the state selling products like edibles, smokable flower, and vapes to everyone 21 and above. But — and this may come as a surprise to anyone seeing the bevy of smoke shops that have cropped up across the state — there are only 23 legal dispensaries, and many of them only offer deliveries.
The latest setback for the expansion of the retail program occurred this month when a state court order temporarily barred regulators from awarding and processing licenses for new stores. Even stores that were just waiting for the final green light to open have now been prevented from doing so.
Here’s why a state judge put the rollout on hold, and what it could mean for the future of the industry.
Why Is the Rollout Delayed?
Earlier this month, a group of veterans who became disabled during their military service filed a lawsuit challenging how the state awards dispensary licenses.
To qualify, individuals had to have been convicted of a marijuana-related offense before legalization, or have a close relative, like a parent or spouse, who was. They also had to have owned a profitable business for at least two years.
The veterans each met the business requirement, but they did not meet the conviction criterion. In the lawsuit, they argued that state cannabis regulators did not have the authority to create a new license for only one class of applicants. They said that power belongs to the Legislature, which mandated that everyone be able to apply for licenses at the same time.
Another group, led by companies currently licensed to sell marijuana to medical patients, filed a lawsuit centered on the same claim in March. But they did not ask to put a stop to licensing.
The veterans did. And the judge presiding over both cases, Justice Kevin R. Bryant of State Supreme Court in Kingston, N.Y., put a temporary hold in place. He instructed the state and the veterans to negotiate a settlement in the meantime.
Since then, Justice Bryant has granted some licensees’ requests to testify at a hearing next week in favor of lifting the restraining order. In the same proceeding, lawyers for the veterans will have to argue why the order should not be lifted
How have the ongoing legal obstacles and regulatory red tape affected the availability and accessibility of legal marijuana in New York
Sion of the cannabis industry in New York is a series of court challenges and bureaucratic roadblocks. These hurdles have made it difficult for potential cannabis sellers to enter the market and set up shop.
Despite legalizing marijuana two and a half years ago, the state has struggled to establish a functioning industry. Instead of the anticipated 150 licensed dispensaries, there are currently only 23 legal options for consumers. Additionally, many of these dispensaries only offer delivery services, further limiting access for potential customers.
These challenges in the cannabis industry are the result of ongoing court battles and bureaucratic delays. Potential sellers are facing legal obstacles and regulatory red tape that have slowed down the establishment of dispensaries in the state. This has created a frustrating and slow process for entrepreneurs and cannabis enthusiasts alike.
The slow pace of progress in New York’s cannabis industry is a disappointment to many who expected a faster and more widespread availability of legal marijuana. As other states continue to expand their own cannabis markets, New York faces significant obstacles that have prevented it from keeping up with the demand for legalized products.
While it remains to be seen how these challenges will be resolved, it is clear that the establishment of a robust and accessible cannabis industry in New York is still a work in progress. Until the legal and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome, residents of the state will continue to face limited options for purchasing marijuana and related products.
It’s disappointing to see how bureaucratic red tape is hindering the progress of legal marijuana sales in New York State.
The delays and challenges in establishing legal marijuana sales in New York State are frustrating, especially considering the potential economic benefits and the public support for legalization.