Tomorrow, December 29th, in New York, the first recreational cannabis store authorized by the State.
We are located at 750 Broadway in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. Here the non-profit association Housing Works, founded in 1990 to support the homeless and those affected by HIV/AIDS, will open theHousing Works Cannabis Co, the first licensed marijuana shop.
The governor of the state made the announcement Kathy Hochul, who says: “Just nine months ago, we set out to start the recreational cannabis market of New York on the right foot and today we are achieving this goal. The industry will continue to grow from here, creating inclusive opportunities in every corner of New York State, with revenue going back to our schools and community revitalization.”
Cannabis in New York: a supply chain with social and economic benefits
So far, the Cannabis Control Board of New York, the state's cannabis regulator, of the 280 cultivation licenses approved to New York farmers for a supply chain "from seed to sale", issued only thirty-six, of which twenty-eight to corporations and eight to non-profit organizations.
"It's an unrepeatable moment - he says Sasha Nutgent, Store Manager at Housing Works Cannabis Co - We look forward to being a model of social equity for the U.S. cannabis industry, especially with our hiring practices and continued support of individuals and communities disproportionately affected from the war on drugs"
Charles King, CEO of Housing Works, adds: “This opportunity will not only give our team the resources to further our core mission, but also to showcase and celebrate products from LGBTQ+, BIPOC and female-led cannabis brands across the state.”
“I'm proud that a nonprofit like Housing Works, with its support of ex-offenders, is leading the way in sales,” she said Tremaine Wright, the president of the Cannabis Control Board, but is keen to point out that "The start of sales through the initiative Seeding Opportunities it's just the beginning of the robust ecosystem we are building. The fair and inclusive market will grow from here with everyone's support to ensure licensees are able to overcome barriers and build this new industry."
However, Housing Works and other state-licensed cannabis stores will have to compete with all dispensaries unauthorized of the State, who sell substandard, contaminated and potentially dangerous products under the counter, tarnishing a sector that wants to stand out for its social ideals in support - and not to the detriment - of society.
