New York’s plan to create a diverse, multibillion-dollar adult-use marijuana industry is in danger of slipping from its high goals, according to critics, making it potentially the latest social equity program to experience a less-than-smooth start.
As the state works toward finalizing its adult-use regulations, critics are highlighting what they see as major shortcomings from a program intended to promote greater racial and economic diversity by giving opportunities to those impacted by the war on drugs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sales are expected to start late this year or in early 2023, and state officials said in March that the initial 100 to 200 recreational retail licenses would focus on applicants with past marijuana-related convictions.
But critics note that there is:
No chief equity officer in place. No advisory board to offer guidance on making the state’s recreational marijuana program more diverse. No detailed social and economic equity plan as required
Read full article on Marijuana Business Daily
