<h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.5; font-size: 2.4em; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; color: var(--iq-title-text); letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">NYC Marijuana Dispensaries</h1>
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<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #585858; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">Getting approved for a NYC marijuana dispensary is no small feat. In fact, only a select few can write prescriptions and only those who are legally allowed to grow cannabis in their homes can qualify to grow their own. The good news is that, once your paperwork is done, you can get your hands on a temporary card that you can use immediately.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #585858; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">The other big news is that NYC is expected to become the largest legal market in the U.S. by the end of this year. It is also expected to become a major tourism destination. The new industry could create jobs and bolster the local economy. But as it is currently conceived, it will take some time to roll out the program and there is no official date yet. In the meantime, the city government has to come up with a plan to help entrepreneurs enter the industry. It also has to take a restorative justice approach to the licensing process.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #585858; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">There are two different types of licenses: a medical marijuana license and a recreational license. You must be 21 years of age to purchase or grow marijuana in the state, but you are permitted to grow up to 12 plants per household. In addition, there is a 13% tax on pot purchases, which goes to local governments. The law allows for the sale of weed only until final regulations are in place. The city's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will issue retail licenses to dispensaries. It will also establish standards for the operations. In addition, the state will provide funding for a public education campaign, an ad campaign, and a marketing blitz.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #585858; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">The mayor of NYC has rolled out a task-force on the topic, led by former police captain and Democratic city councilman Bill de Blasio. The team will recommend changes to marijuana laws. The city's plan to implement the legislation, which would allow for the sale of legal weed, is expected to be part of the city's budget plan.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #585858; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">One of the most significant aspects of the plan is that it will create a dual state-local licensing structure. This will facilitate access to capital and allow the City to experiment with innovative ideas. The federal government should also allocate tax revenue and licensing fees to support the new industry. The government can also provide financing for compliance assistance, counseling, and other support for businesses that wish to enter the cannabis market.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #585858; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">The new NYC marijuana law will take months to put into effect, but once the legislation is enacted, it will be clear how the city will make its mark. A city budget plan will be negotiated with the city council and a public education campaign will be launched by city agencies. It is not clear how the state will meet its goal of allowing at least one marijuana dispensary in each borough by the end of the year.</p>
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #585858; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px; background-color: #ffffff;">The biggest challenge to implementing the new program is filling out all of the paperwork. New York marijuana regulators will have to craft firm guidelines on sales, as well as details on the regulations and requirements of a cannabis business.</p>