New York City's Legal Weed Shops: Sales Soar as Licensing Deadline Extended

The rollout of legal weed in New York has been plagued with delays and complications, with only 26 dispensaries, and just 11 in New York City, opening their doors so far, far fewer than the 150 that were supposed to be in place by this summer. The implementation of the law has been hindered by a complicated application process, delayed state-investment funds, and lawsuits. Additionally, a little-noticed provision requiring applicants to notify community boards about their proposed business location has overwhelmed the boards with applications to sift through in a month's time. These delays have left cultivators with unsold cannabis and allowed the black market to thrive, while concerns arise about the potential dominance of big retailers in the future.