Everyone wants to sell marijuana in New York: the city received 900 applications for a license

More than 900 potential marijuana shop owners have applied to open New York State's first legal recreational marijuana outlets. A.P. News.

The state said it plans to issue about 150 licenses in the first round. It was only open to people with previous convictions for marijuana or their relatives. About 903 applications were received before the September 16 deadline. This was announced on Twitter by the state administration for the fight against cannabis.

The agency was sent a message asking when the licenses would be issued. While there is no exact date for the start of sales in New York. It is expected to be one of the largest legal cannabis markets in the country.

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Officials are keen to open up opportunities for people who have been affected by the anti-marijuana police action. This is what led to the disproportionate arrests of blacks and Hispanics.

“We look forward to creating a fair and diverse cannabis market in the country,” the cannabis office staff tweeted on September 28.

That's why the first licenses are reserved for businesses and non-profit groups with a leader who has been convicted of a marijuana-related crime. Or has a close relative who has been convicted. There are other requirements as well. This includes business experience that has been profitable for at least two years.

Other people can apply later. The state wants to give out half of its marijuana licenses to applicants who are people of color. As well as women, farmers, disabled veterans. Or residents who were subjected to tight controls because of marijuana.

The state will create a $200 million fund to provide start-up grants, loans and other assistance to these licensees.