NYC’s First Legal Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Opens Doors
On February 7, 2023, the first legal recreational marijuana dispensary in New York City opened its doors.[0] Legally Rooted, located on 6th Street, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the momentous occasion, signaling the start of what is expected to be one of the country’s most profitable markets for cannabis yet.
The timing of the opening of the dispensary comes a year after the state legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over in December of 2022. This move was further bolstered by the granting of a number of marijuana-specific pardons by the President in October of 2022, allowing thousands of Americans with federal criminal records for simple marijuana possession to become eligible for pardons that would help them obtain employment, housing, education, and more.[1]
In December of 2022, Maryland lawmakers also introduced legislation to create the framework for a legal cannabis market, set to kick off July 1 of this year.[2]
As the cannabis industry continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that the move to legalize marijuana has had a positive impact on many individuals, families, and businesses. With the opening of the first NYC dispensary, it seems the green wave is here to stay.
0. “Cannabis News | Cannabis Blog | Herban Creative” herbancreativenj.com, 21 Feb. 2023, https://herbancreativenj.com/cannabis-news
1. “Biden Signs Equity-Focused Executive Order That Touts Marijuana …” www.marijuanamoment.net, 21 Feb. 2023, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/biden-signs-equity-focused-executive-order-that-touts-marijuana-clemency-actions-calling-criminalization-a-failed-approach/
2. “Cannabis regulations proposed ahead of legalization deadline …” cnsmaryland.org, 21 Feb. 2023, https://cnsmaryland.org/2023/02/03/cannabis-regulations-proposed-ahead-of-legalization-deadline/
