JAKARTA - The first licensed cannabis outlet in New York United States officially operationally at the end of last year, more than a year after the country legalized it, and during delays in setting up legal markets.

The outlet was opened in New York City's East Village by Housing Works, a non-profit organization that fights homeless and AIDS. The non-profit was among the first 36 groups or individuals the state granted with a marijuana retail license last month.

"We prioritize damage repair, damage that has been done even by state policy itself," Chris Alexander, director of the inaugural executive of the New York State Cannabis Management Office, told a news conference at the shop.

"It's no coincidence that people who are jailed disproportionately because of drug possession and sales are black or Latin people," he explained.

In legalizing marijuana in March 2021, New York lawmakers required that sales should only be made by licensed retailers to adults over 21 years of age.

The first license will be given to employers with previous arrests or penalties related to marijuana, giving them a chance to stay ahead of corporate retailers in the profitable market.

Pengcer juga dapat menjual ganja yang ditanam dan diproses oleh produsen berlisensi di New York.

New York initially promised to find a storefront that is ready to open and a business loan for the first license holder. Non-profit groups working with previously imprisoned people, may be a requirement for some licenses. But the process takes longer than expected.

The gray market has been growing for a while, with unlicensed retailers illegally selling marijuana from stores and branded vans across New York City.

Mayor Eric Adams said retailers without permission would not be tolerated. Alexander, director of state marijuana, said local and state law enforcement had educated gray market vendors about licensing rules, followed up with a letter of appeal and termination, and most recently confiscated merchandise.

Marijuana has been completely legalized by 20 other states, but remains illegal under federal law, which could complicate vendors accessing business loans and other banking services.

At Housing Works, some of the marijuana that can be smoked is sold for between US$20 and US$30 for an eight ounces (about 3.5g).

"This is a game changer for our company," said Karli Miller-Hornick, co-founder of the planting company.

"We will be able to hire more people." he said.

It is known that cannabis sales in New York will be taxed at 13.5 percent whose income will support education, public housing, services to mental health services.

Paliscott, a 50-year-old hair stylist in East Village, welcomed the opening of the licensed outlets.

"People can earn a living. People can buy what they need legally. It seems to be equally profitable," he said.


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