The authorities in New York have begun to act against establishments that are selling marijuana and products derived from the plant despite the fact that the state has not yet implemented the March 2021 law that authorizes the use of cannabis for recreational purposes.
So far, the Cannabis Management Office has begun an educational campaign and is accepting applications to establish businesses from those affected by the laws that criminalized the possession of this herb and from their families and has not yet opened the process for others interested in be a part of this industry.
However, businesses have sprung up that have started illegal sales in the city and throughout the state. Street vendors have also sprung up.
The city’s Sheriff’s Office, police, the Bureau of Cannabis and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection have already conducted raids, the first at a Brooklyn borough business, arresting two people and seizing plastic bags. and bottles with marijuana, as well as vaping and edible products, the financial information page marketwatch.com reported this Friday.
It has been reported to the media of another raid on a Manhattan business. According to Damián Fagon, from the Cannabis Management Office, businesses that commit this violation will not be able to obtain a license.
“It’s going to be a multi-billion dollar industry that they’re not going to be a part of because of the mistakes they’re making right now,” Fagon said. The authorities have not identified the street vendors.
Since the law was signed, New York has been working on regulations around the sale of recreational marijuana, whose purchase, use or possession is restricted to those over 21 years of age, allows possession of up to 3 ounces (85 grams) of the grass inside or outside the homes for personal consumption and will be able to buy and cultivate up to six plants: three that have matured and another three that are growing.
It is estimated that this new industry can generate about 350 million dollars a year and that part of that money is used to help marginalized communities that were most affected by the application of the laws against marijuana.
The Administration of Governor Kathy Hochul had anticipated that by the end of the year the statute would be entering into force, but the permit process has not yet been completed.
In New York, the medical use of marijuana has been allowed since 2014.
