First recreational marijuana store opens in New York

In New York, it's time to get high legally. The state's first licensed marijuana store will open next week. That is almost two years after the cannabis legalization law was passed, Gov. Kathy Hokul announced on Wednesday. New York Post.

Human services group Housing Works will begin selling marijuana and THC supplements on December 29 at its premises at 750 Broadway in Greenwich Village, near NYU and Union Square.

The cannabis law was approved in March 2021 by the Legislature and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Hokul has been striving to accelerate this process since taking office as governor last August.

“Just nine months ago, we set out to open up the New York cannabis market with equality a priority. And now we are fulfilling this goal,” Hokul emphasized. “This industry will grow and create great opportunities in every corner of New York State. And its proceeds will be directed to our schools and to the revival of communities.”

Housing Works Serves New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS and Helps the Homeless

Housing Works located the first marijuana outlet in a former Gap store. Known as 1 Astor Place, this iconic building was built in 1883. There's plenty of room to sell a variety of marijuana products, from pre-rolled joints to tinctures, concentrates, and nutritional supplements.

All proceeds from the sale of cannabis will go to Housing Works, Inc., a flagship organization founded in 1990 to address the twin challenges of HIV/AIDS and homelessness.

Cannabis Control Board Chairman Tremaine Wright said: “I am delighted that a non-profit organization like Housing Works, which supports people formerly incarcerated, will lead the sales. Selling through the Seeding Opportunity Initiative is just the beginning of the ecosystem we are building. A fair and inclusive market will continue to develop. And the support given to licensees will allow them to overcome barriers and create this new industry.”

Charles King, CEO of Housing Works, echoed this: “This opportunity will not only give our team the resources to carry out a common mission, but will also allow us to represent and increase visibility for products made by LGBT+, BIPOC, and women leading cannabis brands across the state.” .

On the subject: In New York, there are secret dinners where marijuana is added to every dish.

The first 36 cannabis licenses (28 individuals and 8 non-profit groups) will be issued to those convicted of marijuana use.

“This moment comes once in a lifetime. Nevertheless, the mission of our non-profit organization remains as relevant as ever. We are committed to playing a leading role as a model for social equity in the American cannabis industry. Particularly by hiring and supporting people who are being hit hard by the unjust war on drugs,” explained Sascha Nutgent, store manager at Housing Works Cannabis Co.

The New York cannabis law is a seed-to-sale program. That is, the product must be grown, cultivated, produced and sold in New York.

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However, Housing Works and other licensed stores coming to the state will face competition.

Critics say the rollout of the New York cannabis program is not going so smoothly. There are currently “tens of thousands of illegal cannabis businesses in New York.” They work in wine cellars, smoking shops and other premises. Moreover, as shown by a new study, some stores sell bad or dangerously spoiled grass.

The Post even uncovered three unlicensed cannabis shops in Kew Gardens. A recent survey found that 26 out of 61 liquor stores and smoking shops tested were illegal cannabis sellers.

Last week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to take action to crack down on the many illegal cannabis shops that are growing like weeds in all five boroughs. And they threaten the viability of licensed operators that are just about to open.