After New Jersey, New York awaits cannabis legalization

New York looks enviously at its neighbor. New Jersey has just legalized recreational cannabis. the day after April 20, and many residents of the Big Apple will not be shy about buying their favorite products just a few miles from home. After all, New Jersey is part of New York City's outer suburbs. And legalization in’Empire State moves forward in small steps.

«Congratulations to New Jersey, they've done it, they've started sales, and I know people are looking forward to it. I hope we follow in their footsteps soon.», says the new head of New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB), Tremaine Wright.

In terms of progress, the company hopes to open stores in 2023 or, in the best-case scenario, by the end of 2022. For the time being, it has already granted its first licenses. 52 hemp growers have been given the green light to produce THC-dominant cannabis. The others have until the end of June to apply.

The new mayor of New York City is also pitching in, having just released $5 million to help new cannabusinesses in this new, post-legalization world.

Priority given to cannabis offenders

On the delay side: licenses to sell cannabis have still not been opened. The state is taking its time, as it wants to be sure that legalization of the plant benefits those who have suffered under the prohibition. Wright will prioritize granting these licenses to convicted cannabis offenders with entrepreneurial experience.

A recent survey by Los Angeles Times showed that only 8 % of California license applications went to these people. A model that New York, scene of the «war on drugs» in the 1980s, does not want to replicate.

The CCB is also wasting time fighting a «grey market». In fact, the State has officially legalize cannabis in April 2021... but it's still forbidden to sell them. Incomprehensible for some retailers, who sell these products in public places, according to MJBizDaily.

«It's illegal to sell THC products at the moment, so we need everyone to get into the regular market. Because our consumers need to know that these products are tested and validated».», warns Tremaine Wright on FOX5.