New York State’s Cannabis Control Board is considering relaxing the rules that currently require a 1,000-foot buffer between legal marijuana stores. The proposal, known as a “public convenience and advantage waiver,” has sparked backlash in New York City, where many residents and business owners are opposed to the change.
The current regulations are intended to prevent the clustering of marijuana shops in a single area, which could lead to a saturation of the market and negatively impact local communities. However, some argue that the state’s rollout of its legal cannabis program has been flawed, allowing thousands of illegal shops to operate in the city and state, and that easing the buffer rules is necessary to allow more legal shops to open.
Industry experts say that the real motivation behind the proposal is to appease applicants who are still waiting for approval to open their shops. However, opponents argue that the change would lead to a proliferation of marijuana shops in neighborhoods, which could cut into the profits of existing businesses and force them to lower wages.
Osbert Orduna, owner of a legal marijuana shop in Queens and representative of several trade groups, including one for disabled veterans, is strongly opposed to the proposal. He believes that saturating a neighborhood with marijuana shops is not in the public’s interest and would have negative consequences for the community.
The Cannabis Control Board has announced that it will seek public input and conduct a public feedback study before making a decision on the proposal. The issue is expected to be discussed at the board’s August meeting.
