By The clock may be ticking in 2022, but New York plans to open its first recreational marijuana dispensary by the end of the year.
That said, the state’s Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said Wednesday she expects the first official cannabis retailer to open by 2023.
“By the end of this year, the first 20 clinics are expected to open.” Hochul told the editorial board of Advance Media New York: “And every month or so, twenty more times. It will work and it will succeed.”
The application period for the first round of adult-use cannabis dispensary licenses, which began on August 25, just ended last week.
government official Said About 500 applications were submitted and hundreds of other applicants were deemed ineligible and rejected.
The first round of dispensing licenses will be awarded to individuals previously convicted of cannabis-related offenses or family members of those who have policies Hochul announced in March.
“New York State is making history and launching this kind of approach to the cannabis industry that takes big steps to right the wrongs of the past,” Ho-Chol said in an announcement at the time. “Today, the regulations advanced by the Cannabis Control Board will prioritize local farmers and entrepreneurs and create jobs and opportunities in marginalized and marginalized communities. We are proud to become a national model for a safe, equitable and inclusive industry.”
In an interview with the editorial board on Wednesday, Ho-chul echoed these sentiments, saying that New York “strives to be a model for the nation as a whole. In particular, we want to make sure that people who have been adversely affected by the criminal justice system… have opportunities to work.” Make a wish,” he said. within this area. “
Ho-Chol, who is highly expected to be re-elected this year, took office in August 2021 following the resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Cuomo was the one who signed the bill to legalize recreational cannabis for adults in March 2021, but the state’s cannabis program didn’t take shape until Ho-Chol took office.
Within a month of taking office last year, Hochul completed two key appointments with the state’s Cannabis Administration, which is responsible for overseeing and regulating the cannabis industry in New York.
“The cannabis industry in New York has been stagnant for too long. We can,” Hochul said at the time.
In an interview with this week’s editorial boardHo-chul touted her efforts to get a state-regulated marijuana program off the ground.
“Talk about stuffed rollouts,” she said. “When I became governor, nothing happened. “So within a week, I was given a lot of credit because I nominated people. When you talk to people about , the first thing they say is “thank you”. Because otherwise you might wait, wait, and wait until the most basic steps are taken. So we are moving forward rapidly. “
