(WNY News Now) – New York – In 2023, New York State celebrates the opening of nearly 40 adult-use dispensaries, marking a significant milestone with over 20% of them being majority Black-owned, showcasing the state’s commitment to inclusivity in the cannabis industry.
In a groundbreaking development, New York State has successfully opened nearly 40 adult-use dispensaries in 2023, defying legal challenges and setting an example for equitable representation in the cannabis market. Notably, 12 of these dispensaries are majority Black-owned, a stark contrast to the national scenario where less than 0.2% of dispensaries are Black-owned.
Among the New York establishments, eight are majority Black-owned, five are Hispanic-owned, and nine are women-owned, underlining the state’s dedication to fostering diversity within the cannabis sector. This achievement gains prominence in the context of recent industry research, revealing that fewer than 20 out of 10,000 cannabis retail shops nationwide are majority Black-owned.
Despite facing setbacks due to two court-ordered injunctions, New York State has pushed forward with its social equity programs. The state’s entrepreneurs have displayed resilience, overcoming obstacles and illustrating the tangible benefits of equity in the cannabis industry. New York’s commitment to a regulated market is evident in its crackdown on unlicensed cannabis storefronts. Since June, enforcement officers from the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance have inspected 350 locations, resulting in the seizure of over 11,000 pounds of illicit cannabis valued at more than $54 million. Weekly inspections will continue across the state, reinforcing New York’s stance on maintaining a legal and regulated cannabis market.
The recent opening of Premier Earth Corp at 1297 Hertel Ave, Buffalo 14216, on December 13, 2023, adds to the growing number of legal dispensaries in the state. New York facilitates easy identification of legal cannabis dispensaries through online tools like the New York Cannabis Dispensary Location finder and verification stickers on dispensary windows. Citizens can actively contribute to the regulatory process by reporting unlicensed shops through the New York Cannabis Incident Reporting portal. Stay updated on cannabis-related developments by following the Office of Cannabis Management on social media at @nys_cannabis.
Leave a Reply