As of March 31, 2021, New York State has legalized adult use cannabis. Nassau County is uniquely positioned to benefit from this historic legislation. As the cannabis industry “takes root” in Nassau County, many new businesses are likely to open, jobs will be created and local tax revenue will likely increase.
Residents from Wantagh to Westbury, and from Huntington to Hempstead, NY may be eligible for a license to grow, process, distribute, sell or even serve cannabis products. An entire industry has grown “overnight” in other states where cannabis has been approved for adult use and Nassau County can expect to experience the same.
Historically Long Island has had a rich agricultural past. Farming and fishing have been a strong part of the local culture. By legalizing adult use cannabis, existing farms and nurseries may be able to pivot into cannabis cultivation thereby substantially increasing their profitability. Disadvantaged communities that once thrived may have the opportunity to reinvigorate their town with brick and mortar businesses such as dispensaries, processing sites, distribution hubs, laboratory testing facilities, professional offices, and other related uses.
Long Island’s existing major highway infrastructure such as the Long Island Expressway, the Northern State Parkway, and the Southern State Parkway may facilitate distribution of cannabis produces from growers out east to dispensaries in more densely populated areas such as New York City.
New York law makers inserted strong social justice provisions and restrictions on vertical integration in order to help foster minority owned businesses entering the cannabis space. For example, the law is design to prevent a large, predominantly white owned out of state business from “cornering the market” in New York by opening a cannabis dispensary on every street corner. Small minority owned businesses will essentially receive preferential treatment when applying for licenses. Nassau County’s diverse population renders it ideally situated for social equity licenses.
The medical marijuana and CBD industry is already operating in places like Carl Place and Lake Success.
The New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will draft regulations setting for the license application details including eligibility criteria, application fees, geographic restrictions, and other information.
It should also be noted that local municipalities may “opt out” of having retail sites such as dispensaries and on-site consumption sites opened in their jurisdiction. The deadline for opting out is December 31, 2021.
Regardless of one’s personal or political views on whether cannabis should be legal, the national and international trend seems to favor legalization and the cannabis industry is rapidly growing. Now that New York has legalized adult use cannabis, the cannabis industry will no doubt take a strong hold in New York, resulting in millions of dollars in much needed tax revenue.
How A Cannabis Attorney Can Help You
A local cannabis attorney can help you with many aspects of running your cannabis business. We have experience dealing with:
- State and local government agencies
- Real estate transactions
- Business entity formation, and
- Other related legal issues.
Contact A Nassau County, NY Cannabis Attorney to Discuss Your Needs
It is never too early to call us if you are considering starting a cannabis business in Nassau County, New York. Our telephone number is (914) 338-8050. Our local cannabis law attorneys (also referred to as marijuana business lawyers) look forward to hearing from you.