In February 2014, Sohan Bashar started a one-year stint at Rikers Island after being convicted of a cannabis-related felony. In February 2024, Bashar opened Silk Road NYC, a licensed dispensary in Jamaica, Queens. His arc demonstrates the evolution of cannabis and cannabis-related retail in New York City. “Ten years later, I’m opening a store to then legally sell that product,” … [Read more...] about NYC Cannabis Stores Don’t Have a Lot in Common With Wine Bars and Brewpubs — Yet
New York
Lawsuit claims New York’s cannabis rollout threatens small farms’ survival
ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — A group of cannabis farmers who own small operations in New York State have filed a lawsuit against the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), claiming the state’s handling of the recreational cannabis rollout has left them facing financial ruin. The lawsuit, filed by the Cannabis Farmers Alliance, allege that OCM is not following the laws the state … [Read more...] about Lawsuit claims New York’s cannabis rollout threatens small farms’ survival
Commentary: We’re overlooking New York’s medical cannabis program
Three years in, New York’s adult-use cannabis program has faced a series of setbacks, primarily due to mismanagement of the rollout, which allowed illegal dispensaries to thrive at the expense of legal cannabis operators. Changes at the Office of Cannabis Management have provided cause for optimism. The new leadership team has demonstrated a commitment to providing a welcome … [Read more...] about Commentary: We’re overlooking New York’s medical cannabis program
Illicit cannabis crackdown: Nearly 20 locations reportedly padlocked
Signs reading "ILLICIT CANNABIS SEIZED," in bright red lettering can be seen on closed storefronts across town. Here in Monroe County, only six businesses are licensed to sell cannabis. "I can tell you that we are out every week," said Daniel Haughney of the Office of Cannabis Management. Haughney is the New York State Office of Cannabis Management's Director of Enforcement. … [Read more...] about Illicit cannabis crackdown: Nearly 20 locations reportedly padlocked
A New York City law used to padlock suspected illegal pot shops is ruled unconstitutional
FILE - New York Police officers collect seized merchandise at an illegal cannabis shop during an enforcement action, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File) A law that New York City has relied on to padlock scores of suspected unlicensed marijuana shops is unconstitutional because it violates the rights of store owners, a judge ruled Tuesday. Mayor … [Read more...] about A New York City law used to padlock suspected illegal pot shops is ruled unconstitutional
New York’s cannabis taxes are finally being reinvested in public projects
(NCPR) Three and a half years after New York State legalized recreational marijuana, the taxes from cannabis sales are starting to bear fruit. The state's Office of Cannabis Management is accepting grant proposals for a $5 million community reinvestment program funded by those cannabis sales. The grants will go to nonprofits that serve young people 24 years and under and target … [Read more...] about New York’s cannabis taxes are finally being reinvested in public projects
The Marijuana Landscape
As we navigate the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization, it is crucial to emphasize the need for effective treatment options alongside these reforms. While legal access to cannabis may alleviate burdens on the criminal justice system, it also raises concerns about increased use and potential addiction. Research suggests that approximately 9 to 17 percent of cannabis … [Read more...] about The Marijuana Landscape
Massive pot seizures on illegal smoke shops allegedly made NYC sheriff’s deputies sick
Massive pot seizures on city Sheriff Anthony Miranda’s watch made his deputies ill, according to a federal lawsuit. Mayor Adams’ war on illegal smoke and cannabis shops, spearheaded by Miranda, saw the sheriff confiscate 600 pounds of marijuana in just under three months, from November 2022 through Jan. 20, 2023. “However, this operation proved to not only be unlawful, it … [Read more...] about Massive pot seizures on illegal smoke shops allegedly made NYC sheriff’s deputies sick
Pothead pets: Veterinarians see uptick in marijuana toxicity in pets as THC use grows in NYC
Pot smokers in NYC beware: Leaving those extra buds, flowers and joints around can be toxic to your pet. That is what several veterinarians have been saying since recreational marijuana use was legalized statewide in 2021. Animal doctors across the Big Apple have seen an increase in cuddly patients, including cats and dogs, who have accidentally ingested the drug, leaving them … [Read more...] about Pothead pets: Veterinarians see uptick in marijuana toxicity in pets as THC use grows in NYC
Editorial: Hazy enforcement of cannabis laws
One would assume that legalizing marijuana for recreational use, and heavily regulating it, would come with strong consumer safeguards. And in New York, one would apparently assume wrong. In yet another example of the state’s ongoing challenges to oversee the multi-billion-dollar recreational cannabis industry, the state Office of Cannabis Management is accused in a lawsuit of … [Read more...] about Editorial: Hazy enforcement of cannabis laws
