Marijuana can be sold legally at festivals and other events in New York under a measure approved by state regulators on Wednesday, after farmers complained there were too few dispensaries to sell their crop.
The measure approved by the Cannabis Control Board would allow three or more growers to partner with retailers to sell to consumers outside of dispensaries in adult-oriented, locally approved programs.
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Partnerships may also include a processor, who will be able to sell products such as food items and vape cartridges.
Municipal approval will be required.
Marijuana plants are seen at an advanced grow facility on May 12, 2023 in Washington County, New York. (AP Photo/Hans Pennick, File)
Pot growers around New York said they entered the growing season still stockpiling marijuana from last year because the state has been very slowly opening stores. According to regulators, 20 licensed retailers are currently open statewide, and more than 40 are in development.
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“We’ve certainly heard from our growers about the urgent need for a program like this to expand their retail sales opportunities,” said John Cagaia, a top state marijuana policy official.
Officials said the move would also give consumers legal access to marijuana in areas where there are no dispensaries.
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The initiative is part of a series of initiatives by regulators to boost the state’s nascent recreational vessel market. They have also begun cracking down on unlicensed operations that compete with upmarket shops, particularly in New York City.
Source by [Fox News]
