Deadline arrives for retail cannabis applications

Today is the deadline to apply for New York’s first retail cannabis dispensaries.

Applications opened last month.

Eligible applicants must have a marijuana-related conviction that happened before the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act in March 2021. They also must have experience owning and operating a qualifying business.

“When we ended prohibition, we didn’t just end prohibition. We made a strong statement – the state, the Legislature, the people of New York made a strong statement – saying prohibition was wrong and the way that we enforced it was harmful on communities,” said Chris Alexander, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management.

You can apply online at cannabis.ny.gov.