With New York legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in 2021, business owners and intrepid entrepreneurs have their sights on capitalizing on the budding industry once things get going. That all depends on how quickly New York policymakers draft appropriate licensure laws in order to legally sell marijuana.
Or does it? As Cannabis Now reports, New York has a booming market of cannabis dispensaries following possession laws to the letter.
Memberships and donations with weed on the side
New York possession laws now allow for individuals to have up to three ounces of marijuana or 24 grams of marijuana concentrate on their person. Individuals may also give this amount to another legal adult—provided the absence of profit. No one may sell marijuana for any price without a license.
These grey market dispensaries offer monthly membership fees, sell overpriced merchandise and encourage donations with cannabis products offered in exchange for a free benefit.
It is unclear in the reporting how actual storefronts, without marijuana business licenses, stock their inventory with marijuana products without breaking possession laws or whether New York law may intercede.
Present laws as policy forms
While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in New York now, there are still limits. Individual consumers and business owners alike may find it important to understand how much is too much. Possession between four and eight ounces and selling any amount of to 24 grams risks up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Higher amounts yield higher penalties.
People facing drug charges on an individual or commercial level have options that may aid in their defense.
