New York State May Allow Liquor Stores to Sell Low-Dosage Cannabis Drinks
Liquor stores in New York State may soon be able to sell cannabis-infused drinks, but with a catch – they would only be allowed to stock products with a THC content of 5 milligrams or less. The proposed bill, sponsored by Assemblyman John Zaccaro and Senator Jeremy Cooney, aims to protect the state’s nearly 600 licensed marijuana stores by limiting the competition to low-potency drinks.
The lawmakers argue that independent liquor stores are well-suited to sell low-dosage cannabis beverages due to their existing requirements, such as being independently owned and maintaining a certain distance from schools and houses of worship. Additionally, liquor store staff would need to be trained in age-verification protocols.
The bill would also provide revenue to fund loans and grants for social equity-owned dispensaries and bolster funding for the state Office of Cannabis Management and its grants.
However, not everyone is in favor of the proposal. Osbert Orduna, CEO of The Cannabis Place in Middle Village, Queens, opposes allowing liquor stores to enter the cannabis market, citing the existing competition from the illicit market and the fact that liquor stores have historically opposed efforts to allow grocery stores to sell wine.
Orduna also expressed concerns about the impact of the proposal on legitimate cannabis shops, stating that it would be “ridiculous” to allow liquor stores to sell cannabis while denying the same privilege to grocery stores.
The bill is currently under consideration by the state legislature, and it remains to be seen whether it will be approved.
