The pungent aroma of fresh legalization hangs heavy in the air of New York State, promising economic opportunity and social justice. Yet, beneath the shimmering surface lies a historical debt, owed to Black New Yorkers who bore the brunt of the War on Drugs while being systematically excluded from the very industry now blooming from its ashes. To truly deliver on the promise of cannabis legalization, New York must prioritize social equity, ensuring the industry is viable and accessible to those most harmed by its prohibition.

A Legacy of Injustice:

Decades of discriminatory drug policies disproportionately targeted Black communities in New York. Black New Yorkers were 10 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than their white counterparts, despite similar usage rates. This discriminatory enforcement led to mass incarceration, shattered families, and economic marginalization. Now, as the state reaps the profits of a legal cannabis market, leaving Black New Yorkers behind would be a continuation of this injustice.

The Imperative of Equity:

Social equity in the cannabis industry goes beyond mere symbolism. It’s about dismantling systemic barriers and empowering those most harmed by prohibition to participate in and benefit from its legalization. This requires:

Prioritizing social equity licenses: New York has set ambitious goals for social equity licenses, but implementation lags. Streamlining the process, providing financial assistance, and prioritizing justice-involved individuals are crucial.Addressing the capital gap: Black entrepreneurs often lack access to capital, a significant barrier to entry. The state can create loan programs, tax breaks, and incubator schemes to bridge this gap.Empowering communities: Fostering community ownership through cooperatives and partnerships ensures benefits stay local and empowers historically marginalized groups to lead the industry’s direction.Expungement and re-entry: Clearing cannabis convictions and providing re-entry support removes a major barrier to participation for individuals with past offenses.

Beyond Words, Action:

New York has set the groundwork for social equity, but lofty goals require tangible action. Initiatives like their Social and Economic Equity division are a start, but more needs to be done:

Increase transparency and accountability: Regular reports on social equity progress and transparent data on license allocation are crucial.Community engagement: Actively engaging communities most impacted through town halls, workshops, and partnerships ensures their voices are heard.Long-term commitment: Social equity isn’t a one-time fix. Ongoing support, mentorship, and technical assistance are vital for sustained success.

Viable and Accessible:

Social equity alone isn’t enough. The industry must be viable for all participants, meaning:

Fair tax structure: High taxes can stifle small businesses. A tiered tax system, with lower rates for social equity businesses, can ensure sustainability.Market access: Facilitating access to retail locations, delivery options, and diverse product lines empowers businesses and expands consumer choice.Regulatory support: Streamlining regulations, providing clear guidance, and offering technical assistance can help navigate the complex legal landscape.

Accessibility for All:

Finally, ensuring the industry is accessible necessitates:

Public education: Dispelling misinformation and providing accurate information about cannabis, especially in underserved communities, empowers informed decisions.Community-based outreach: Engaging community organizations and trusted leaders builds trust and encourages responsible participation.Price parity: Ensuring affordable products, including medical cannabis, makes responsible use accessible to all, regardless of income.

A Moral Obligation:

New York’s cannabis industry cannot thrive on the backs of those historically wronged. Social equity is not just a policy choice; it’s a moral obligation. By prioritizing equity, building a viable and accessible industry, and upholding its historical responsibility, New York can ensure the legacy of cannabis legalization is one of justice, empowerment, and shared prosperity for all, especially Black New Yorkers who have already paid their dues.

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Cannabis in America has a tangled history, woven with threads of opportunity and oppression. While the plant itself remains largely unchanged, the language surrounding it has been weaponized with devastating consequences, particularly for Black and Brown communities. Examining this linguistic manipulation reveals a deliberate strategy to demonize marginalized groups and justify their disproportionate targeting in the War on Drugs.

From Medicine to Menace: Framing Cannabis through Racialized Lenses

Early portrayals of cannabis were relatively neutral, even positive. In the 19th century, medical texts praised its therapeutic qualities, and its recreational use among various groups, including white Americans, was largely unscrutinized. However, the tide began to turn in the early 20th century, fueled by a potent combination of racial prejudice and political agendas.

Harry Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, played a pivotal role in demonizing cannabis. He famously linked the drug to Mexican immigrants, using the racially charged term “marijuana” instead of “cannabis” to cultivate fear and association. He further depicted cannabis as a “gateway drug” leading to violence and moral decay, specifically targeting Black communities migrating to cities like New York and Chicago. Anslinger’s pronouncements, riddled with misinformation and racial bias, were amplified by sensationalized media portrayals of “reefer madness” and criminality associated with Black jazz musicians.

Coded Language and the War on Drugs:

As the Nixon administration declared the War on Drugs in 1971, language continued to be used as a weapon. Terms like “drug pusher” and “addict” were disproportionately applied to Black and Brown communities, while white users were often framed as victims or misled experimenters. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified cannabis as a Schedule I drug, the most restrictive category, despite lacking evidence of medical value or high potential for abuse. This classification, based on political expediency rather than scientific fact, paved the way for draconian sentencing policies that disproportionately impacted Black and Brown individuals.

The Power of Euphemisms: Obfuscating Intent and Perpetuating Harm

Even seemingly neutral language can conceal harmful agendas. The term “War on Drugs” itself frames drug use as a military threat, justifying aggressive enforcement tactics and mass incarceration. This language obscures the racialized nature of the policy and deflects from addressing the root causes of drug use, such as poverty and lack of opportunity. Similarly, terms like “drug-free zones” often target specific neighborhoods with high minority populations, creating a climate of fear and suspicion while failing to address the underlying issues.

Beyond Words: The Enduring Impact of Linguistic Harm

The consequences of weaponized language go far beyond mere rhetoric. They have resulted in the mass incarceration of Black and Brown Americans, the fracturing of communities, and the perpetuation of systemic inequality. The legacy of racialized language surrounding cannabis continues to shape public perception and inform policy decisions, making it difficult to achieve true social justice and equitable access to the legal cannabis industry.

Reclaiming the Narrative: Moving Towards Equity and Justice

Recognizing and challenging the harmful use of language surrounding cannabis is crucial to dismantling the structures of oppression and achieving racial equity. This requires:

Amplifying marginalized voices: Giving a platform to Black and Brown communities directly affected by cannabis criminalization allows them to reclaim the narrative and share their experiences.Fact-checking and dispelling misinformation: Countering inaccurate and racially charged portrayals of cannabis use with evidence-based information is essential to promote informed public discourse.Challenging euphemisms and promoting transparency: Demystifying language used to justify discriminatory policies helps expose underlying biases and hold decision-makers accountable.Investing in communities: Prioritizing resources and opportunities for Black and Brown communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs is crucial to achieving true social justice.

The history of cannabis in America is a stark reminder of the power of language to inflict harm and perpetuate injustice. By recognizing the ways language has been weaponized against marginalized communities and actively working to dismantle these harmful narratives, we can pave the way for a more equitable future where the benefits of cannabis are accessible to all, regardless of race or background.

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The story of cannabis and Black culture in New York is not just one of smoke and societal acceptance. It’s a complex narrative woven with threads of oppression, resilience, cultural expression, and the fight for social justice. It’s a story that demands acknowledging the past, celebrating the present, and pushing for a more equitable future in the burgeoning legal cannabis industry.

From Harlem Reefer Clubs to the War on Drugs:

Long before cannabis was demonized, it held a significant place in Black communities throughout the United States. In New York, particularly Harlem during the 1920s and 30s, “reefer clubs” emerged as social spaces for Black musicians, artists, and writers. Cannabis fueled creative expression and community building, becoming intertwined with the vibrant cultural renaissance of the Harlem Renaissance.

However, the tide turned sharply in the mid-20th century. The Nixon administration’s racially-charged War on Drugs disproportionately targeted Black communities, criminalizing cannabis possession and leading to mass incarceration. The consequences were devastating: generations of Black New Yorkers were jailed, families were torn apart, and economic opportunities dwindled.

The Echoes of Injustice in Legalization:

New York finally legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, offering a glimmer of hope for a more just future. Yet, the implementation process has exposed deep inequities. The majority of licenses for dispensaries have gone to white-owned businesses, despite Black communities bearing the brunt of the War on Drugs. This lack of inclusion perpetuates historical injustices and undermines the potential for economic empowerment within Black communities.

Community-Driven Solutions:

Black New Yorkers are actively working to reshape the narrative and demand fair representation in the cannabis industry. Organizations like the Cannabis Social Equity Coalition – NYS, Cannaware, and NYS Cannabis Connect are providing resources and support for aspiring Black entrepreneurs. Through education, mentorship, and access to capital, these groups are empowering Black New Yorkers to participate in the industry and build generational wealth.

Beyond Business: Cannabis as a Tool for Healing and Justice:

Beyond economic empowerment, cannabis offers the potential for healing and social justice. Organizations like Joe’s Barber Shop and CannaBronx are exploring the use of cannabis in restorative justice programs and for addressing trauma within communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. Additionally, research explores the potential of cannabis in treating symptoms of PTSD and anxiety, conditions prevalent in communities facing systemic injustices.

Celebrating Black Cannapreneurs:

Despite the challenges, Black New Yorkers are making their mark in the cannabis industry. Pioneers like Erica Ford, founder of NYC Crisis Management System (Force behind Violence Reduction ), and Phil Ellison, founder of The Harlem Convening, are paving the way for future generations. They are not only building successful businesses but also using their platforms to advocate for social justice and uplift their communities.

Building a More Equitable Future:

The legal cannabis industry in New York is still in its early stages, and the fight for equity is far from over. Policymakers, regulators, and established businesses must create opportunities for Black participation and ownership. This includes providing access to capital, streamlining licensing processes, and ensuring diverse representation in leadership positions.

From Reefer Clubs to Social Justice:

The journey of cannabis and Black culture in New York is far from over. It’s a story marked by both struggle and resilience, a testament to the community’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities. As the industry evolves, acknowledging the past, celebrating Black cannapreneurs, and advocating for equitable representation are crucial steps toward building a more just future for all New Yorkers.

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First impressions matter, and nowhere is this truer than in a job interview. Your attire can speak volumes about your professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail.

So, how do you dress to impress and land the job? Here’s a guide for both men and women, tailored to help you look your best on interview day:

General Tips:

Research the company culture: Dress in a way that aligns with the company’s professional environment. Formal attire might be expected for a law firm, while a creative agency might favor a more relaxed approach.Fit is key: Clothes should fit well, neither too tight nor too loose. Tailoring can make a big difference.Choose neutral colors: Opt. for classic colors like black, navy, gray, and beige. Avoid overly loud or busy patterns.Keep accessories minimal: Avoid flashy jewelry, excessive makeup, or strong perfumes.Make sure everything is clean and ironed: Wrinkles and stains create a negative impression.Dress one level more formal than the everyday attire at the company, unless otherwise instructed.Comfort is important: You want to feel confident and relaxed, so choose clothes you can move around in comfortably.

Women:

Pantsuit: A classic choice for a polished and professional look. Choose a well-fitting pantsuit in a neutral color.Skirt suit: A skirt suit can be a more feminine option, but ensure the skirt is appropriate length (knee-length or longer).Dress: A professional dress can be a great option, but avoid anything too revealing or short.Blouse or sweater: Opt. for a blouse or sweater that is clean and ironed. Avoid anything too low-cut or revealing.Shoes: Choose closed-toe pumps or flats in a neutral color. Heels are optional, but keep them moderate in height and comfortable.Jewelry: Keep jewelry minimal and classic. Avoid anything too flashy or distracting.

Men:

Suit: A well-fitting suit in a neutral color is always a safe bet.Dress shirt: Choose a collared dress shirt in a light color. Avoid anything wrinkled or stained.Tie: A tie is optional, but it can add a touch of formality. Choose a conservative pattern and color that complements your shirt and suit.Shoes: Dress shoes like oxfords or loafers are ideal. Ensure they are clean and polished.Belt: Choose a leather belt that matches your shoes.Watch: A classic watch can add a touch of sophistication.

Additional Tips:

Grooming: Make sure your hair is neat and styled, and your nails are clean and polished.Body language: Stand tall, maintain good posture, and make eye contact. A confident demeanor complements a professional outfit.Practice your outfit beforehand: Wear your interview outfit at home to ensure it’s comfortable and you feel confident in it.

Remember, dressing for success is about presenting yourself professionally and creating a positive first impression. By following these tips and tailoring them to your individual style and the specific company culture, you can walk into your interview feeling confident and ready to shine!

Make sure to check out our example images to ace your next interview!

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The story of Black music in America is a vibrant tapestry woven with resilience, innovation, and cultural expression. Within this rich tapestry, cannabis has quietly held a significant thread, influencing the sound, themes, and social commentary of genres from soul to hip hop. Exploring this intersection invites us to appreciate the artistry, defiance, and evolving relationship Black artists have had with this plant.

Soulful Smokes: Cannabis and the Birth of Groove:

The roots of cannabis influence in Black music stretch back to the early days of soul music. Artists like Ray Charles and Nina Simone openly discussed their use of marijuana, citing its ability to enhance creativity and unlock deeper emotional expression. In smoky recording studios and late-night jam sessions, cannabis helped create the soulful sounds that captivated audiences. Stevie Wonder, known for his introspective lyrics and innovative sound, acknowledged the role cannabis played in his creative process, describing it as “an inspiration.”

Blazing a Trail: Reggae’s Green Revolution:

Across the Atlantic, reggae, born in Jamaica, incorporated cannabis as a central element of its musical and cultural identity. Rastafarianism, a religion with African roots, embraced cannabis as a sacred herb promoting spiritual connection and healing. Artists like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh became vocal advocates for marijuana legalization, weaving references to the plant into their music and lyrics. Their songs infused with messages of peace, unity, and social justice resonated deeply with Black communities worldwide, further solidifying the link between cannabis and Black cultural expression.

Funky Frequencies: The Rise of Hip-Hop and a Cultural Shift:

As hip-hop emerged in the 1970s, cannabis continued to be a source of inspiration. Early innovators like Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five used the plant to fuel their creativity and improvisation, pushing the boundaries of music and expression. However, the War on Drugs, fueled by racist rhetoric and discriminatory enforcement, began to cast a shadow over cannabis’ relationship with Black communities. By the late 80s and 90s, hip-hop lyrics often portrayed cannabis use through a lens of gang culture and hypermasculinity, reflecting the impact of systemic oppression and mass incarceration.

From Controversy to Consciousness: Cannabis in Contemporary Black Music:

Today, the conversation surrounding cannabis in Black music is evolving. While references to smoking remain prevalent, a new generation of artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole are tackling complex themes like systemic racism and police brutality, often intertwined with their experiences with cannabis. Musicians like Rapsody and Noname openly advocate for social justice and expungement of cannabis-related convictions, using their platforms to challenge the unjust legacy of the War on Drugs.

Beyond the High: Building a More Equitable Future:

While the influence of cannabis on Black music is undeniable, the conversation needs to move beyond sensationalized portrayals and stereotypes. Recognizing the plant’s historical use as a tool for cultural expression and spiritual exploration is crucial. More importantly, addressing the racial disparities in the legal cannabis industry and supporting Black ownership and participation are essential steps toward a more equitable future.

Continuing the Legacy: A Song Yet to be Sung:

The story of cannabis and Black music is far from over. As cannabis legalization expands, it presents an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. By dismantling harmful stereotypes, ensuring Black ownership and representation in the industry, and supporting artists using their voices for social change, we can ensure that the next verse in this story is one of empowerment, justice, and continued cultural innovation.

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Event Date: Feb 06, 2024 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Join King Gregory and, The Hash Makers:

Leslie Stone: Let’s Talk Cannabiz!
Wicked-K: Wicked Sowa!
Hemant: Re-Legalize Nepal!
And ROCKER-T: Chillum Spirituality!
Ital food vending!

Come sit, burn and learn how to make hash, at this Bob Marley Birthday Tribute Celebration! Take advantage of the Early Bird Special!!!!
https://events.farechild.com/event/65999512ff9f8717e96208cb/the-chillum-through-our-eyes-p2

Event Address:

164 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001
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The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which has legalized adult-use cannabis in New York State, has laid the foundations for a new fresh start for cannabis consumers in the state.

As well as expunging cannabis-related records, the legislation is developing an industry that aims to focus its foundations on social equity. But one of the opportunities that went under the radar with cannabis legalization in New York State is home growing for personal use.

Since the legislation was enacted on March 21, 2021, the state’s cannabis regulators have been busy implementing the regulations to issue licenses for cultivators and processors. Additionally, they have been issuing licenses for those benefitting from the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, which grants licenses to individuals and nonprofits affected by the cannabis prohibition policies in the state prior to legalization. However, this process has not been without its challenges, as critics have pointed out a problematic rollout of legal recreational marijuana, citing excessive regulations and a complicated licensing process that have hindered legitimate efforts.

For cannabis home growing, the MRTA allows individuals 21 years of age and older to grow up to six cannabis plants in their homes. Out of these, three plants can be in the mature stage (meaning plants with cannabis flowering stage), and three can be in the immature stage (meaning plants not in the flowering stage). However, the maximum number of plants permitted per household is twelve, with six mature plants and six immature plants.

However, New Yorkers are still not allowed to grow plants as home cultivation of cannabis is only permitted after the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), the cannabis regulator’s agency, issues specific regulations, which will occur within 18 months of the first adult-use retail sale.

As the first cannabis dispensary opened on December 30, 2022, the OCM must issue final regulations governing home growing for personal use by June 30, 2024.

The decision to delay allowing homegrown marijuana was made to prevent an excessive proliferation of cannabis, which could potentially hinder the success of newly established legal retail stores.

Despite good intentions to promote the legal cannabis retail market, the provision to outlaw personal cultivation has become an obstacle.

While cannabis regulators were working on implementing the legislation by finalizing regulations for cultivators, processors, and retailers for the legal adult-use market, thousands of unlicensed businesses proliferated across the state, selling cannabis illegally.

This situation has created a grey area, with thousands of unlicensed operators stepping in to sell cannabis in NYS, a role intended to be filled by licensed dispensaries, particularly those belonging to the social equity program.

In New York City alone, there are at least 1,400 unlicensed stores selling marijuana products unlawfully. The state’s cannabis regulators have issued 463 retail licenses as of July, but only 21 licensed dispensaries are currently operational in the state.

NYS’s cannabis regulators initially attempted to crack down on unlicensed stores selling cannabis products by issuing warning letters. However, law enforcement operations have since intensified, seizing products, and shutting down these stores. This escalation occurred, particularly after NYS’s Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation in May, increasing civil and tax penalties for the unlicensed and illicit sale of cannabis.

However, most of the unlicensed shops are still thriving at the expense of legal dispensaries, creating competition that threatens the legal market’s success in the state.

Given the situation, it no longer makes sense for cannabis regulators to wait any longer before issuing regulations for home cultivation of cannabis for personal use. The provision to delay home cultivation for personal use to avoid impeding legal dispensaries has failed as unlicensed sellers have emerged across the state, becoming direct competitors to legal retailers.

For now, only individuals with medical cannabis prescriptions are permitted to grow cannabis at home legally. They received this authorization last September when the state approved regulations that allow medical marijuana patients—who were already able to purchase products from licensed medical dispensaries—to grow up to three mature plants and three immature plants at home. Furthermore, they can designate caregivers to grow the crops on their behalf.

But growing adult-use cannabis at home for personal use is still outlawed, and the current legislation concerning the penalty for doing so is confusing and unclear. No specific enforcement measures are outlined because regulators are still working on guidelines, which ultimately leaves prosecutors with wide discretion in pursuing potential charges.

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Greek tennis player Maria Sakkari lost to Rebeka Masarova of Spain in the first round of the US Open held in New York on August 28.

During the match, Sakkari complained to the chair umpire about the smell of cannabis on the court. She said she thought it was coming from the park behind the stadium.

The video of Sakkari complaining about the smell of cannabis at the US Open went viral, but it may not have surprised New Yorkers in the city, especially since the state legalized cannabis in March 2021.

But even before legalization, smoking cannabis was common in New York, and a recent report now designates NYC as the world’s largest cannabis-consuming city.

CFAH, a team of experts committed to promoting health and wellness through education, support, and awareness, made a report estimating that in NYC alone, people consume approximately 62.3 metric tons per year, followed by Sydney with 45.8 and Los Angeles with 35.

CFAH could collect data on cannabis consumption figures thanks to World Health Organization (WHO) data for countries around the world.

In terms of cannabis prices, NYC ranks 4th among the most expensive cities for cannabis in the U.S., with a cost of $12.5 per gram. Washington, D.C., takes the top spot at 1st place with $19.1 per gram, followed by Seattle at $18.2 and Killdeer, which ties with NYC at $12.5 per gram.

At the international level, Tokyo (Japan) is the world’s most expensive city in which to buy cannabis, despite its illegality, with a price of $33.8 per gram. It is followed by Dublin (Ireland) at $22.5 per gram and Tallinn (Estonia) at $22.1 per gram.

Among the most affordable cities to purchase cannabis, Montreal (Canada) takes the top spot as the least expensive city in the world, with a price of $5.9 per gram. It is followed by Bangalore (India) at $6 per gram and Notre Dame (Canada) at $6.2 per gram.

These data were collected on cannabis prices from 140 cities worldwide, ranking them from least costly to most expensive for both illegal and legal markets.

The price of cannabis per gram in the United States is projected to potentially decrease to $5.61 by 2030. Legalizing cannabis is more likely to contribute to a market price decline, with prices expected to fall by an average of 11.13%, according to the report.

The New York cannabis price data aligns with other cannabis price index websites like PriceOfWeed. They report around $11.86 per gram for high-quality cannabis and approximately $9.51 for medium-quality cannabis. Legal dispensaries authorized by state cannabis regulators also generally fall within this average price range, although certain product varieties can be significantly more expensive based on their quality.

However, the legal marijuana market in New York, which consists of roughly more than 20 dispensaries, is struggling to compete with the illegal market, widespread across the city.

Authorities have vowed to crack down on the illegal market, but it will be challenging to do so.

The gray market is estimated to be worth $7 billion in New York, while the legal market is only expected to generate $1.2 billion in sales in 2023.

The phenomenon of the gray market is not surprising. As soon as the state legalized cannabis, thousands of unauthorized shops popped up across the state to sell cannabis, despite New York regulators prohibiting such practices as they were implementing the legislation to create the legal market.

New York State imposes a 13% tax on the sale of legal cannabis. The tax rate is higher for products with higher THC content.

The state projected $56 million in cannabis-related tax revenue for fiscal year 2023 but has only collected $4.3 million so far.

The tax revenue from the recreational cannabis program is supposed to go towards education, grants to community organizations, and drug treatment programs.

Housing Works, a nonprofit that has become the first to open a dispensary in NYC, sold $12 million worth of marijuana products in its first six months of operation.

The shop generated about $2 million in sales tax revenue during that time, which is twice what it had projected.

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Even cannabis legislation like the one in New York State, which sought to prioritize those most impacted by the War on Drugs in the legal market, is struggling to achieve its goals.

While you may have heard the statistic that black people are 3.64 times more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite comparable marijuana use rates, which is often cited to support the legalization of cannabis and the end of prohibition policies, it is also true that the representation of black individuals in the legal cannabis industry is disproportionately lower than that of white individuals.

This has been seen in different U.S. states that have already legalized cannabis, and it is starting to be seen in New York, too.

Although New York regulators are currently entangled in legal disputes over the implementation of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which legalized adult-use cannabis in the state in March 2021 and aimed to allocate at least half of the licenses to social equity applicants, it appears that the black community and other minorities are experiencing exclusion from this allocation.

According to data obtained by NYSCC, out of 301 adult-use conditional cultivators (AUCC), only four are black. Among the 40 adult-use conditional processors (AUCP), there are no Black individuals. In the case of 15 labs, only one is managed by a Black woman, while the number of Black individuals involved in the 463 adult-use conditional retailer dispensaries is uncertain.

The numbers tell a different story from the MRTA’s narrative of providing support to individuals who were adversely affected by the cannabis prohibition in the state before legalization.

Indeed, before legalization, the police mostly arrested Black and Hispanic New Yorkers in 2020.

Let’s take New York City as an example to explain the racial disparity of cannabis possession arrests.

People of color accounted for over 94% of the arrests: approximately 57% of those arrested for cannabis were Black, and 35.6% were Latino, amid a city’s population of about 24% Black and 29% Hispanic.

Therefore, the prohibition policy has disproportionately harmed the Black community compared to others. However, New York regulators seem to not effectively address this disproportionality by issuing more conditional licenses to Black individuals, according to the figures viewed by NYSCC.

The main issue appears to revolve around the definition of social equity applicants. This category includes individuals who have resided in communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs and are part of underrepresented groups, such as minority and women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Hence, the overarching category of social equity applicants may not be advantageous for Black and Hispanic individuals who were predominantly targeted during the prohibition era and repressive policies in New York.

Black and Brown individuals are included within the definition of social, economic, and equity applicants, specifically as part of the minority group, which also includes Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians. However, it remains unclear whether cannabis regulators distribute conditional licenses based on ethnicity or race. Moreover, both initial conditional cultivator and processor licensees were already involved in the hemp industry, making them ineligible as proper social equity applicants. The choice to include them was made to expedite the establishment of the adult-use cannabis supply chain to facilitate the launch of the legal market.

Regarding retail dispensaries, the situation differs as cannabis regulators introduced the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program in 2022. This program aims to grant retail licenses to social equity applicants who were directly or indirectly affected by prohibition policies and have operated a business with net assets or profits for at least two years. This requirement may have also posed a barrier for some Black individuals seeking entry into the legal market.

While the reason behind issuing conditional licenses for the entire cannabis supply chain was to expedite the establishment of the legal market by involving operators already engaged in the industry, this premise has been undermined by the proliferation of unlicensed dispensaries throughout the states, which regulators are now struggling to shut them down.

The underrepresentation of Black individuals in New York’s current cannabis landscape is indicative of a broader issue within the national cannabis industry. Despite comprising 13% of the total population, Black entrepreneurs make up less than 2% of business owners in the industry, as reported in Leafly’s Jobs Report 2021. This trend is starting to become evident even in U.S. states with progressive cannabis legislation, such as New York.

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New York’s cannabis regulators have expanded the entities eligible to apply for a license, paving the way for the multi-state operators and registered organizations to enter the adult-use legal market.

The Cannabis Control Board (CCB) voted on September 12 to issue non-social equity licenses to cultivate, manufacture, and sell adult-use cannabis.

This means that both registered organizations (ROs), which are medical cannabis companies in New York, and Multi-State Operators (MSOs) will have the opportunity to submit applications for these licenses and conduct business within the state.

The announcement has left New York operators with mixed feelings and comes amid a situation that sees the promising legal market struggling to take off.

However, the entry of MSOs into the legal market came as no surprise. In a letter dated August 31, obtained by the New York Post, four MSO executives (Acreage Holdings, Curaleaf Holdings, Green Thumb Industries, and PharmaCann), who also hold RO licenses in New York, once again urged Governor Kathy Hochul to allow medical cannabis operators to participate in the adult-use market to ensure the long-term success of the state’s legal cannabis market, fostering consistent revenue and employment opportunities for years to come.

These are the same companies that, back in March, filed a lawsuit against the state’s cannabis regulators in an attempt to gain access to the adult-use market.

The new rules are causing controversy among existing license holders and those waiting for approval. Opening the program to everyone on October 4 worries them, especially since many conditional applicants are still waiting. Advocates are particularly troubled by the inclusion of long-established medical cannabis companies in the eligibility for recreational licenses.

MSOs with substantial annual revenue are expected to apply for recreational licenses for their medical facilities throughout the state. Similarly, lesser known but significant companies operating medical growing facilities may also seek recreational cultivation licenses.

But beyond the official statements of the state’s cannabis regulators, who have justified this shift to expand to more categories of licenses, there are two reasons to take into consideration to understand why New York’s adult-use legal cannabis market is going to be opened to almost everyone.

The Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, which aimed to issue retail licenses to social equity applicants impacted by prohibition policies before legalization and who had successful businesses, has struggled to materialize. It has resulted in roughly 23 authorized dispensaries opening since December 2022, with hundreds of conditional applicants still awaiting entry.

Furthermore, the CAURD program created not a few legal issues for cannabis regulatory agencies as they have been sued by different companies and associations regarding the legitimacy of the implementation of the program.

But what is even more likely that led regulators to expand and speed up the process of licensing ROs and MSOs has been the proliferation of unlicensed operators that started their operations since the legalization of cannabis in March 2021 without waiting for the regulations. New York tried to crack them down but with little results. This has created a situation in which New York’s legal market will have to compete with a gray market that is hard to eradicate.

It’s in this context that MSOs and ROs are likely to play a role in increasing the competitiveness of the adult-use legal cannabis market.

However, several CAURD applicants have been critics of the new regulations, as the promises that New York would allow small businesses the first crack at the adult-use market.

The legislation aims to award 50% of all adult-use licenses to social and economic equity applicants. However, the entry of the so-called ‘big cannabis’ doesn’t mean the regulators won’t achieve this goal. In fact, antimonopoly rules have been put into place, de facto preventing businesses from establishing a vertically integrated business.

Moreover, microbusinesses will be allowed to cultivate, process, and sell limited quantities of their own marijuana.

The regulatory delay has created the need to explore the possibility of granting licenses to larger players within the industry.

These delays have unintentionally created opportunities for unlicensed operators to thrive, potentially placing social equity applicants at a disadvantage when it comes to competing on a larger scale.

Therefore, the participation of well-established entities like MSOs, ROs, and non-social equity businesses could potentially contribute to the development and growth of the legal market, as well as curbing illicit operations.

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