NY is considering allowing restaurants to infuse their dishes with weed

This would certainly give “pizzeria” a whole new meaning. New York State appears to be considering selling edibles in pizza parlors and other restaurants. But there is one major downside for these restaurants if they choose to participate.

According to a spokesman for the city’s Office of Cannabis Management, there have been discussions about possible cannabis licenses that could be granted to restaurants.

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The New York Post reports that Aaron Ghitelman, spokesman for the Office of Cannabis Management, has confirmed that there have been discussions about granting such licenses to food processors. However, “the regulations for infused food products have not yet been published,” he stressed.

The NY Post reports that pizza makers and businesses across the state have already begun considering ways to get involved in the cannabis industry, including infused oils and sauces.

Lawmakers claim that the reality of selling edibles at these establishments is complex and must be closely monitored as children are not allowed into stores selling cannabis. Products must also be packaged correctly and state the amount of cannabis per serving, which can prove problematic when it comes to a slice of pizza.

But perhaps the biggest buzzkill for restaurants: They’re not allowed to sell liquor and cannabis; it has to be one or the other.

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Cannabis pizzerias join dozens of businesses in the city that have started selling weed, though there is no recreational cannabis program (the first licenses are expected to be issued in the fall). These companies operate on a murky legal basis and take advantage of a loophole that looks the other way in this type of behavior. Bright green trucks, pop-up shops and more have popped up across the city, taking advantage of the currently relaxed regulations.

An article in The Guardian claims that New York State is not happy with this type of company. However, cracking down on them appears to be a worse outcome as authorities believe there is not much that can be done until cannabis is legalized and the appropriate rules and laws are put in place.

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Right now, cannabis sellers and those interested in getting involved in the industry have a little more leeway and the ability to get away with things they wouldn’t normally do — something that’s likely to change very soon.