Here’s when New York State will start accepting Dispensary Applications

Starting with applicants who have been “justice-involved” is called the Seeding Opportunity Initiative, with New York said to be the first state to implement the approach.

Cannabis regulators in New York State (NYS) announced last week that they would accept dispensary applications starting Aug. 25 and that these initial applications will be reserved for people and families who have been directly impacted by the War on Drugs.

The formal announcement was made through the NYS Office of Cannabis Management’s social media platforms.

The office clarifies what it means to have been impacted by the war on drugs, pointing out that applicants must be “justice-involved,” meaning anyone who has been arrested or convicted for a cannabis offence. This effort is called the Seeding Opportunity Initiative, with New York being the first state to implement it.

“We’re writing a new playbook for what an equitable launch of a cannabis industry looks like, and hope future states follow our lead,” Tremaine Wright, chair of the Cannabis Control Board (CCB), says in a press release.

The application portal will remain open until Sept. 26, a short period of time, with authorities suggesting that interested parties start compiling their documents as soon as possible. People involved with the design of the portal and the new rulings in place say the application process is designed to be as smooth and straightforward as possible, requiring no outside help.

New York is currently in a confusing time when it comes to cannabis. While the drug is legal to consume, carry and gift for anyone over the age of 21, the sale of it remains illegal.

All through the year, dozens of cannabis shops have popped up and the marijuana market has boomed, leaving many who want to be involved in the business confused and perhaps feeling like they have already missed their opening. To try to mitigate this, the government has issued dozens of cease and desist letters.

“Sale of untested products put lives at risk,” Wright said when addressing these illicit sales. “I implore these illegal store operators, and any other stores pretending to be legal operations, to stop selling cannabis products immediately.”

The businesses that received notices have been issued warnings, with no threats of arrests or any police involvement.