2.7M New Yorkers Use Marijuana at Least Once a Month as  Budding Cannabis Industry Thrives

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Since New York’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2021, the state has seen a steady rise in cannabis consumption, with approximately 2.7 million residents enjoying the green goods at least once a month, according to a report on Wednesday in the New York Post. Despite the growing demand, the transition from an unregulated market to a fully legal and regulated cannabis industry poses significant challenges. While the initial sales numbers have been promising, New York faces hurdles in expanding the licensed market and curbing illegal marijuana sales, the report said.

John Kagia, the policy director of the state Office of Cannabis Management, acknowledged the existence of a large and established cannabis market during a meeting in Harlem, as was reported by the Post. This market accounts for nearly one-fifth of New York adults who consume weed at least once a year, primarily through illegal channels.

In 2021, New York took a significant step by legalizing recreational marijuana, with then-Governor Cuomo emphasizing its importance to the state’s economic well-being, the Post report indicated. However, the rollout of the legal cannabis program has been slow, with only 20 licensed dispensaries and delivery outlets currently operating. The Post also reported that tegulators are working on developing 40 more licensed establishments to meet the growing demand.

Marijuana farmers faced challenges in the transition period, as they had stockpiled unsold cannabis from the previous year due to the limited number of licensed stores, as was reported by the Post. Nonetheless, they received some relief as authorities allowed pop-up sales of flowered products, edibles like gummy bears, and more at events like trade shows, concerts, and festivals, where the majority of attendees are 21 years or older, said the report.  But they won’t be allowed to smoke weed at the events.

“Cannabis is becoming more and more acceptable — as it always should have been,” said Osbert Orduna, CEO of the Queens-based The Cannabis Place delivery service, as was reported by the Post. “The licensed cannabis industry made good progress today.”

The pop-up sales would be at venues or street events where the customers are predominantly age 21 and up — the legal age to buy weed, a source familiar with the plan said.

The state is determined to stamp out the illegal marijuana market, which has seen an alarming increase, with as many as 1,500 illegal weed shops in New York City alone, the Post reported. The state Cannabis Management and Department of Taxation and Finance have been granted the authority to issue substantial fines, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per day, to stores illegally selling pot. The Post also reported that additionally, law enforcement, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the NYPD, has been actively pursuing legal action against these illicit establishments.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul warned unlicensed marijuana storefronts that the state’s “aggressive” new enforcement plan would continue — now that 37 new full-time staff members had been added to the department to aid in the crackdown, as was reported by the Post.

“I want to send a message loud and clear across the state that if you’re operating illegally, you will be caught and you will be stopped,” she said. “It is just not worth it.”

Despite promising sales numbers, the cannabis industry in New York still faces considerable challenges. The slow pace of licensing dispensaries has resulted in a limited supply for the growing number of consumers. The Post report indicated that the expansion of the legal market will be vital to meet the demands of the millions of New Yorkers who now have access to recreational marijuana.