Here’s when New York will start accepting pharmacy applications

Marijuana regulators in New York announced Thursday that they would be accepting applications from the dispensary beginning August 25. These applications will be reserved for individuals and families directly affected by the war on drugs.

The announcement was made via the NYS Office of Cannabis Management social media platforms.

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Have you heard? Cannabis in NY is here and in just 2 weeks you have the opportunity to apply for your own cannabis retail license for adult use, CAURD.

Learn more about our higher standards of equity and find helpful resources on how to apply at https://t.co/865xuy7Uuz. pic.twitter.com/lGIzjaKf4H

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) August 11, 2022

The bureau clarifies what it means to be affected by the War on Drugs, claiming that applicants must be “participants in the judiciary,” i.e., This initiative is called the Seeding Opportunity Initiative, with New York being the first state to implement it.

“We’re writing a new playbook on what a cannabis industry should start with justly, and we hope future states will follow suit,” Cannabis Control Board (CCB) Chair Tremaine Wright said in a press release.

The application portal will remain open until September 26, a short period of time, with authorities suggesting that those interested start compiling their paperwork as soon as possible. People involved in the design of the portal and the new regulations claim that the application process is designed to be as smooth and straightforward as possible and does not require outside help.

New York is currently in a confusing phase when it comes to cannabis. While the drug can be legally consumed, transported and given away by persons over the age of 21, its sale remains illegal. Throughout the year, dozens of cannabis stores have popped up and the marijuana market is booming, leaving many looking to get into the business confused and as if they’ve already missed their grand opening. To mitigate this, the government has sent out dozens of cease and desist letters.

Photo by Anton Petrus/Getty Images

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“Selling untested products puts lives at risk,” Wright said when discussing those sales. “I am calling on these illegal shopkeepers and any other business pretending to be a legitimate business to stop selling cannabis products immediately.”

The companies that received these communications have been warned without threat of arrest or police involvement.