Judge overturns ban on pharmacy licenses in Brooklyn

A federal court in New York on Tuesday cleared the way for state regulators to begin issuing adult-use cannabis licenses to prospective business owners in Brooklyn and elsewhere.

The New York Times reports that the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Manhattan “overturned part of an injunction that prevented cannabis regulators from issuing recreational dispensary licenses in some parts of New York, creating a major obstacle.” eliminated for the establishment of the state”.

“The court’s decision allows regulators to grant 108 pharmacy licenses in the regions no longer covered by the injunction: Central New York, Western New York, Mid-Hudson and Brooklyn. But 18 licenses in the Finger Lakes region remain bound in the lawsuit,” the Times explains.

“New licenses could be approved as early as Monday April 3 when the Cannabis Control Board holds its monthly meeting. At least 18 licenses in the affected regions have been pending approval since November, the Office of Cannabis Management said at the time.”

New York launched its regulated adult cannabis market late last year with the opening of a licensed retailer in Manhattan’s East Village.

Since then, two more have opened in Manhattan, while the first cannabis retailer opened in Queens on Thursday.

But New York City’s most populous borough, Brooklyn, has so far been shut down following a restraining order in November from a federal court in Syracuse, New York.

The court’s ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a Michigan cannabis company challenging New York’s licensing requirements.

But this week’s partial lifting of the injunction also paves the way for other high-density areas in upstate New York to join the regulated cannabis market.

The New York Times has more:

“The lifting of the injunction paves the way for dispensaries to open in some of the state’s most populous areas, including Buffalo, Syracuse and the Hudson Valley, giving farmers and manufacturers — who have been sitting on a mountain of inventory — more outlets to get their weed . But from licensing to opening is a process that can take several months. Since November, regulators have granted pharmacy licenses to 56 companies and 10 non-profit groups. So far, only five stores have opened in Manhattan, Ithaca and Binghamton; two more are scheduled to open this week, in Queens and Schenectady.”

Tuesday’s federal appeals court decision comes three weeks after New York state announced it will double the number of pharmacy licenses.

“With this expansion, more entrepreneurs will be able to participate in the first wave of this industry, allowing them to capitalize on the growing demand for cannabis products,” Tremaine Wright, chair of the New York Cannabis Control Board, said at the time. “As more companies enter this market, innovation and competition will increase, resulting in better-quality experiences for consumers. The expansion of the New York cannabis market will benefit everyone involved in this exciting industry.”

The first dispensary, which opened in Queens this week, also stands out for being the first female cannabis retailer in New York.

Known as Good Grades, this weed shop will start out as a pop-up.

“I am very excited to open the doors of Good Grades, the very first pharmacy in Queens, New York,” said Extasy James, owner of Good Grades.

“We are incredibly passionate about providing greater access to cannabis and breaking down the barriers that prevent so many people, particularly those from marginalized communities, from experiencing the benefits of this amazing plant. We understand firsthand the stigma that has hung on cannabis for far too long, and we’re eager to join the thriving cannabis community to help change that. Our pharmacy is a welcoming and inclusive place where everyone can come to learn, explore and find the products that best meet their individual needs.”