The current state of cannabis in New York is messy, to say the least. Unlicensed cultivators and dispensaries are running rampant, and many are complaining that the process for licensing is taking too long. With medicinal and adult-use (recreational) marijuana now fully legalized, New York is ranking as one of the top states for consumption anywhere in the country. However, they still have a lot of work to do to fully stabilize their market.
Fortunately, legislators are taking big steps to make this happen. Until very recently, there were only 53 licensed dispensaries open in the entire state, with a meager 20 in New York City. To meet consumer demand, roughly 1,500 unlicensed dispensaries have also popped up, largely within New York City. As a measure to help stem the tide of unlicensed stores, the state’s Cannabis Control Board announced that it is rapidly awarding licenses to 114 new dispensaries and waiving cannabis cultivator licensing fees for the next two years.
The exemption applies to fees for dispensaries shifting to non-conditional license categories, such as cultivation businesses and micro businesses. These fees can vary from $4,500 to $40,000. There are now 88 licensed dispensaries in the state, with more set to open this year.
Veriheal has satisfied millions of patients nationwide by giving them access to these benefits
“Farmers are the backbone of our State, and we’re making sure the family farms across New York that are building our cannabis industry have a real chance to succeed. I have made it clear that New York State needs to issue more dispensary licenses and kickstart cannabis sales in New York, and this two-year promise to Adult-Use Conditional Cultivators will make sure these farmers can reap the benefits of this growing industry,” said Governor Kathy Hochul in a press release.
This is only the first step that lawmakers are taking to fix the state’s cannabis program. The governor has strongly criticized the implementation of the state’s adult-use cannabis program and has now initiated a comprehensive audit of the entire program, which involves assigning a commissioner from the Office of General Services and other state officials to work closely with cannabis industry regulators. Their mission is to accelerate the cannabis licensing process and enhance the efficiency of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
Meanwhile, the state Senate has designated $128 million from the budget to assist struggling cannabis growers. This aid includes tax adjustments and financial support aimed at bolstering farmers in the industry.
The OCM director, Chris Alexander, stated, “New York State’s cannabis market is moving in the right direction, and by waiving licensing fees for two years, we’re making sure conditional cultivators have a chance to reap the rewards of this growing industry. As we mark three years of legalized adult-use cannabis in New York state, we look forward to this next chapter of our cannabis story.”
With the arrival of 4/20 comes the promise of festivals, mass smoke sessions, and camaraderie with fellow cannabis enthusiasts. But, while cannabis may promote social gathering for some, others prefer to consume their cannabis in the way of the introvert – that is, completely alone. If you’re not exactly a social smoker and still want…
It’s become increasingly common to hear stories of those suffering from serotonin syndrome, but for some, the full scope and depth of this mysterious condition remain shrouded in mystery. Are psychedelic drugs and cannabis capable of triggering this serious medical issue? In this post, we’ll dive into what serotonin syndrome is, how you may be…
The legendary stoner holiday 4/20 is upon us, and so are the transits and astrological happenings associated with it. As spring and warm weather begin to roll in, spirits lift, and people spend more time outside under the sun—and, of course, the stars. Smoking under the night sky is a thrilling experience. Whether you’re a…
Hash is more than just a hot trend with ancient origins: it’s the future of medical cannabis consumption. Because this form of concentrate is deliberately engineered to preserve the natural terpenes and cannabinoid profile of the cannabis plant, dabbing hash is perhaps the most efficient way to seek the potential benefits of medical marijuana –…
Cannabis use is increasing all around the world. The American marijuana industry was worth about $57 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $444 billion by 2030, a staggering growth that reflects it as the fastest-growing industry anywhere in the world. Veriheal consistently stays abreast of current trends by conducting routine surveys among our…
Get your medical marijuana card today
Sign up in under 5 minutes
