New Yorkers With Marijuana Convictions to Be Offered First Retail Licenses

The state of New York is set to announce plans for the first marijuana retail sales by the end of year, with the first 100 retail licenses being reserved for those with marijuana convictions, the New York Times reports.

Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to announce the policy on Thursday as part of an effort to favor weed-related business ventures to those most impacted by the war on drugs. The marijuana industry is projected to bring in around a billion dollars for the state, and New York is looking to avoid the pattern in other states of wealthy start-ups dominating the industry.

Hochul has already proposed $200 million to support the marijuana industry in New York, with the funds set to go to finding and renovating storefronts for business owners. Half of all marijuana licenses in the state, per the passing of recreational marijuana usage and possession last year, have been reserved for women, minorities, struggling farmers, veterans, and “individuals who have lived in communities disproportionally impacted” by the criminalization of cannabis.

This story is being updated.