There has been some controversy within the cannabis industry over the recent announcement by New York state to issue the first 100 dispensary licenses to individuals with previous convictions for cannabis-related offenses.
New York state has been trying to rectify the problems caused by jailing overwhelming amounts of minorities with low level non-violent marijuana offenses. However, based on a poll released by Siena College, data suggests 54 percent of voters in new York State "oppose ensuring that early licenses for marijuana retail stores go to those previously convicted of marijuana-related crimes, or their family members."
This striking data gleams light on the divide in opinion amongst New Yorkers. Pollster Steven Greenberg said in his analysis of this survey that a strong majority "of Republicans, independents, voters outside New York City, and white voters give it a thumbs down." While from the 33 percent of voters supporting the plan, “Latino voters support it by 12 points and Black voters by 11 points.”
"Republican Voters Oppose Issuing First Licenses
To Previous Convicts "
Democratic Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul announced "the first-in-the-nation Seeding Opportunity Initiative, which will position individuals with prior cannabis-related criminal offenses to make the first adult-use cannabis sales with products grown by New York farmers." This new initiative was first proposed to take a "step forward in righting the wrongs of the past." At the time Governor Hochul said "The regulations advanced by the Cannabis Control Board today will prioritize local farmers and entrepreneurs, creating jobs and opportunity for communities that have been left out and left behind. I'm proud New York will be a national model for the safe, equitable and inclusive industry we are now building."
In the announcement last month, Governor Hochul’s office laid out three programs for driving the Seeding Opportunity Initiative. The Equity Owners Lead Program, that "provides a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License to eligible equity-entrepreneur applicants, putting them at the front-end of the adult-use market. This first-round, equity-licensing opportunity will be supported with renovated or renovation-ready retail locations and wraparound services with dispensaries sited in high-traffic areas;" The Farmers First Program, which "provides an Adult-Use Conditional Cultivator License to eligible New York cannabinoid hemp farmers, giving them the first chance to grow cannabis for New York’s adult-use market;" and The New York Social Equity Cannabis Investment Program proposed by Governor Hochul as a $200 million part the Executive Budget to make "funding available for equity entrepreneurs at the forefront of the adult-use cannabis market. Through the program, industry licensing fees and private equity would support the development of dispensary facilities for equity-entrepreneurs with a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary License. Under the proposal, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) would provide support with its leasing and construction services to site dispensaries at prime locations and renovate them to meet health, safety, and security requirements. The Social Equity Cannabis Investment Program’s funding and accompanying services would reduce barriers to entry and position these equity-entrepreneur owners for long-term success."
Since Governor Kathy Hochul's appointment, she has taken multiple steps towards getting the legal cannabis market started in New York. Governor Hochul said in September that "New York's cannabis industry has stalled for far too long - I am making important appointments to set the Office of Cannabis Management up for success so they can hit the ground running." After which the the Governor then appointed Reuben R. McDaniel, III and Jessica Garcia to the board of Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
Its clear that these programs are long overdue, and that the lack of equality due to the little attention offered to marginalized communities, have caused even the opinion of most voting New Yorker's to be against the programs intended to right the wrongs of the past.
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