New York cannabis sales should start soon — Here’s what to know

While possessing certain amounts of cannabis is now okay, legal stores have not yet opened.

Justice-involved applicants vying for a license can submit their information by the end of August. New Yorkers are expected to be able to purchase legal recreational cannabis by the end of the year.

The process to getting there has been a long one, with many ups and downs, but it appears as though the state has finally figured out how to create a new business that benefits those who’ve been affected by the War on Drugs.

When can a consumer shop?

Buying cannabis is still illegal, something that’s confusing for anyone living in New York and witnessing the number of retail shops that are around. Still, this is about to change, with the first recreational dispensaries expected to open by the end of the year.

Who gets a license?

The first licenses to be handed out will be the ones belonging to the conditional adult-use retail dispensary (CAURD) program. These are 150 licenses provided to “justice involved” applicants, who must also have experience owning and running a business. Applicants can submit their information by the end of August. 

What if a person doesn’t qualify for a license just yet?

More licenses are expected to come out soon, with different requirements for different businesses, which range from weed bars to regular dispensaries. This will all be revealed in the coming months, with applicants only able to apply for one license at a time.