Today, Governor Kathy Hochul proudly announced the launch of twelve additional adult-use cannabis dispensaries across New York, a significant advancement in the state's efforts to develop a fair and inclusive market for cannabis. By the close of December, New York's total count of adult-use dispensaries will reach at least 37, signifying a steadfast commitment to offering residents regulated and safe cannabis products.
The latest batch of dispensaries includes a prominent number of minority-owned businesses: eight are Black-owned, five are Hispanic-owned, and nine are women-owned, positioning New York as a leader in fostering diversity within the cannabis sector. This is noteworthy given that Black-owned dispensaries make up less than 0.2 percent nationwide, whereas New York celebrates over 20 percent of its adult-use dispensaries being Black-owned.
Governor Hochul remarked, “As we continue to cultivate the most equitable cannabis market in the country, my administration is dedicated to constructing a secure industry that not only supports New Yorkers but also bolsters our small businesses. These new dispensaries are a testament to our goal of enhancing our legal market and displacing illicit operators who flout our regulations.”
Despite two court-imposed injunctions that have delayed the expansion process, New York has remained resolute in fostering social equity in its cannabis initiatives. In May, Governor Hochul introduced legislation targeting rogue cannabis storefronts, leading to aggressive regulatory actions by the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance. Since June, authorities have inspected 350 premises, necessitating the re-inspection of 88 and the confiscation of over 11,000 pounds of illegal cannabis valued at upwards of $54 million.
The following are the new dispensaries slated to open in the city:
In The Bronx:
- Hush at 2460 Williamsbridge Rd Fl 1, Bronx 10469 inaugurated on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
In Brooklyn:
- Grow Together at 2370 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn 11223, scheduled to open on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, marking Brooklyn's first adult-use, Black-owned dispensary.
In Manhattan:
- Dagmar Cannabis at 412 W Broadway, NY 10012, will welcome customers on Friday, Dec 15, 2023, as SoHo's first adult-use, woman-owned dispensary.
- THC Herbal Care at 1412 Lexington Ave., New York 10128, anticipates its opening on January 4, 2024, as the Upper East Side's first adult-use dispensary.
The diverse ownership structure of these establishments underscores New York's pledge to social equity and inclusivity in the burgeoning cannabis market. Governor Hochul remains positive about the progress, acknowledging the entrepreneurial spirit overcoming challenges to demonstrate the value of equity in the industry. Routine inspections will persist under the oversight of the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance to ensure statewide adherence to regulations.
Chris Alexander, Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, expressed enthusiasm for the busy month ahead as numerous licensees begin operations. "Witnessing not only these openings but also the diversity of their operators is truly inspiring. By year's end, we'll see 12 Black-owned and 5 Hispanic-Owned dispensaries in operation—a proud contrast to the national scene where such ownership is exceedingly rare. This is a testament to our commitment to an equitable cannabis industry," he said.
Tremaine Wright, Chair of the New York State Cannabis Control Board, commented on the openings, "This month's unveiling of new dispensaries reaffirms our resolve to build an equitable industry. New York is now home to the most diverse group of dispensary proprietors, and we extend our congratulations to all new owners as we look forward to nurturing an inclusive and forward-thinking cannabis marketplace."
The latest batch of dispensaries includes a prominent number of minority-owned businesses: eight are Black-owned, five are Hispanic-owned, and nine are women-owned, positioning New York as a leader in fostering diversity within the cannabis sector. This is noteworthy given that Black-owned dispensaries make up less than 0.2 percent nationwide, whereas New York celebrates over 20 percent of its adult-use dispensaries being Black-owned.
Governor Hochul remarked, “As we continue to cultivate the most equitable cannabis market in the country, my administration is dedicated to constructing a secure industry that not only supports New Yorkers but also bolsters our small businesses. These new dispensaries are a testament to our goal of enhancing our legal market and displacing illicit operators who flout our regulations.”
Despite two court-imposed injunctions that have delayed the expansion process, New York has remained resolute in fostering social equity in its cannabis initiatives. In May, Governor Hochul introduced legislation targeting rogue cannabis storefronts, leading to aggressive regulatory actions by the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance. Since June, authorities have inspected 350 premises, necessitating the re-inspection of 88 and the confiscation of over 11,000 pounds of illegal cannabis valued at upwards of $54 million.
The following are the new dispensaries slated to open in the city:
In The Bronx:
- Hush at 2460 Williamsbridge Rd Fl 1, Bronx 10469 inaugurated on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
In Brooklyn:
- Grow Together at 2370 Coney Island Ave., Brooklyn 11223, scheduled to open on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, marking Brooklyn's first adult-use, Black-owned dispensary.
In Manhattan:
- Dagmar Cannabis at 412 W Broadway, NY 10012, will welcome customers on Friday, Dec 15, 2023, as SoHo's first adult-use, woman-owned dispensary.
- THC Herbal Care at 1412 Lexington Ave., New York 10128, anticipates its opening on January 4, 2024, as the Upper East Side's first adult-use dispensary.
The diverse ownership structure of these establishments underscores New York's pledge to social equity and inclusivity in the burgeoning cannabis market. Governor Hochul remains positive about the progress, acknowledging the entrepreneurial spirit overcoming challenges to demonstrate the value of equity in the industry. Routine inspections will persist under the oversight of the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance to ensure statewide adherence to regulations.
Chris Alexander, Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, expressed enthusiasm for the busy month ahead as numerous licensees begin operations. "Witnessing not only these openings but also the diversity of their operators is truly inspiring. By year's end, we'll see 12 Black-owned and 5 Hispanic-Owned dispensaries in operation—a proud contrast to the national scene where such ownership is exceedingly rare. This is a testament to our commitment to an equitable cannabis industry," he said.
Tremaine Wright, Chair of the New York State Cannabis Control Board, commented on the openings, "This month's unveiling of new dispensaries reaffirms our resolve to build an equitable industry. New York is now home to the most diverse group of dispensary proprietors, and we extend our congratulations to all new owners as we look forward to nurturing an inclusive and forward-thinking cannabis marketplace."
