New York Governor Kathy Hochul made an announcement Thursday, March 11th about the retail cannabis coming to New York. The plant will be available for sale for recreational use in the coming months. The “Seeding Opportunity Initiative” will allow those who have been charged with cannabis-related crimes first dibs at retail licenses.
This is a kind of restitution for those who may have been prosecuted, fined, or jailed. And all for a crime that is not longer a crime. The first 100 or more licenses will be reserved for those convicted in the past, as well as their family members. Applicants will be able to sell the plants, which will be sourced from local farmers. One main idea is to keep this from becoming corporatized too quickly.
In a quote, Governor Hochul has stated:
“New York State is making history, launching a first-of-its-kind approach to the cannabis industry that takes a major step forward in the righting the wrongs of the past… The regulations advanced by the Cannabis Control Board today will prioritize local farmers and entrepreneurs, creating jobs and opportunity for communities that have been left out and left behind. I’m proud New York will be a national model for the safe, equitable and inclusive industry we are now building.”
As of March 2021, New York residents can possess up to three ounces for personal use. And they can grow up to six plants. With recreational retail on its way, New York will be riding the green wave in no time.