New York intends to prioritize aspiring minority applicants for marijuana licenses but concerns remain over the state’s recreational adult-use cannabis application process.
“You can imagine how hot Harlem is and how many people—nonresidents, not-harmed individuals—are interested in opening up dispensaries and other businesses in my community, because they just view us as consumers,” said Regina Smith, executive director of the Harlem Business Alliance.
There are also fears that the New York market could end up dominated by big conglomerates. Experienced activists, legal experts and entrepreneurs are urging potential New York licensees to press elected officials to clarify the state’s social-equity component.
