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Manhattan received only one of the new 38 adult-use retail cannabis licenses handed out statewide on Feb. 16, which were announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. They were included as part of an immense package of 109 licenses, which are also granted to the other relevant cogs of the cannabis industry: cultivators, processors, and distributors.
The Office of Cannabis Management, the state agency responsible for the licenses, told Straus News that Blue Forest Farms Dispensary LLC was the lucky recipient. It is unclear where the dispensary will be located, although the LLC does share a name with an existing hemp and CBD “gallery” located on Madison Ave., near Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal. (Hemp, a variety of cannabis distinct from marijuana, does not contain enough THC to create a psychoactive high).
Manhattan has 12 legally licensed cannabis stores, a number which will now seemingly tick up to 13. The number of unlicensed and therefore illegal dispensaries in the borough, however, reportedly reaches into the thousands.
The governor’s office proudly noted that the state had tripled the amount of “operating cannabis retailers in the last two months.” The state reportedly now has 70 adult-use dispensaries, whether delivery-only or storefront-oriented.
Oregon’s historic drug decriminalization experiment is likely ending after state lawmakers sent a bill to re-criminalize drug possession to Gov. Tina Kotek (D) for her signature, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports.
The proposal is supported by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — House lawmakers voted 51-7 in favor of the measure, and the Senate gave final approval on Friday in a 21-8 vote. Kotek has not said whether she supports the bill but has signaled she would be willing to roll back some of the state’s drug decriminalization initiative, Measure 110, which Oregon voters passed in 2020.
Specifically, House Bill 4002 would establish new criminal penalties including potential jail time for the possession of fentanyl, heroin, and meth. The measure does not seek to recriminalize cannabis, which is legal for medical and recreational use, and would not crack down on the state’s therapeutic psilocybin program.
Decriminalization advocates who oppose the measure are accusing Oregon lawmakers of overriding the will of voters and reinstating racist, drug war policies.
Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D), who co-wrote the bill, claims the move will help “make sure Oregonians have access to the treatment and care that they need.” But Sen. Michael
The majority of Americans – 79% – now live in a county with at least one cannabis dispensary, according to an analysis from Pew Research Center, with 74% living in a state where cannabis is legal for medical or adult use. According to Pew, 54% live in a state where adult-use cannabis is legal.
The Pew analysis found nearly 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. with California hosting about a quarter – 3,659 in all. Los Angeles County hosts 1,481 dispensaries, more than any other state other than California.
Pew counted 1,405 dispensaries in Oklahoma – the most per capita of any state with 36 dispensaries for every 100,000 residents. Oklahoma has not legalized cannabis for adult use, but its medical cannabis program is one of the country’s most permissive.
Pew also found that in states that have legalized cannabis for adult use that border states that still prohibit cannabis use by adults, dispensaries often cluster on the border of the state that has not passed the reforms. There are 64 dispensaries in New Mexico within 20 miles of its border with Texas, according to Pew. Overall, one in
The majority of Americans – 79% – now live in a county with at least one cannabis dispensary, according to an analysis from Pew Research Center, with 74% living in a state where cannabis is legal for medical or adult use. According to Pew, 54% live in a state where adult-use cannabis is legal.
The Pew analysis found nearly 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. with California hosting about a quarter – 3,659 in all. Los Angeles County hosts 1,481 dispensaries, more than any other state other than California.
Pew counted 1,405 dispensaries in Oklahoma – the most per capita of any state with 36 dispensaries for every 100,000 residents. Oklahoma has not legalized cannabis for adult use, but its medical cannabis program is one of the country’s most permissive.
Pew also found that in states that have legalized cannabis for adult use that border states that still prohibit cannabis use by adults, dispensaries often cluster on the border of the state that has not passed the reforms. There are 64 dispensaries in New Mexico within 20 miles of its border with Texas, according to Pew. Overall, one in
The majority of Americans – 79% – now live in a county with at least one cannabis dispensary, according to an analysis from Pew Research Center, with 74% living in a state where cannabis is legal for medical or adult use. According to Pew, 54% live in a state where adult-use cannabis is legal.
The Pew analysis found nearly 15,000 cannabis dispensaries in the U.S. with California hosting about a quarter – 3,659 in all. Los Angeles County hosts 1,481 dispensaries, more than any other state other than California.
Pew counted 1,405 dispensaries in Oklahoma – the most per capita of any state with 36 dispensaries for every 100,000 residents. Oklahoma has not legalized cannabis for adult use, but its medical cannabis program is one of the country’s most permissive.
Pew also found that in states that have legalized cannabis for adult use that border states that still prohibit cannabis use by adults, dispensaries often cluster on the border of the state that has not passed the reforms. There are 64 dispensaries in New Mexico within 20 miles of its border with Texas, according to Pew. Overall, one in
The Michigan Department of Treasury is distributing more than $87 million from cannabis tax revenues to 269 municipalities. The 99 cities, 30 villages, 69 townships, and 71 counties will receive more than $59,000 for every licensed cannabis retail store and microbusiness in its jurisdiction.
In a statement, State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said the municipalities can spend the funds to “fit their needs.”
“This week, many Michigan municipalities and counties will begin seeing their share of adult-use marijuana payments appear in their banking accounts. Through a partnership, the dollars received from the adult-use marijuana taxes and fees are distributed to our participating communities.” — Eubanks in a press release
The revenue was collected from the state’s 737 cannabis licensees during the 2023 fiscal year during which there was more than $290.3 million available from the Michigan Marihuana Regulation Fund. Another $101.6 million was sent to the state’s School Aid Fund for K-12 education and another $101.6 million to the Michigan Transportation Fund.
Cannabis Regulatory Agency Executive Director Brian Hanna called the cannabis excise tax “a very important benefit of the legal cannabis industry in Michigan” and noted the agency is committed to doing its part
In the vibrant heart of Jamaica, Queens, Silk Road NYC Dispensary marks a significant milestone by welcoming the acclaimed matter. Cannabis brand to its premium selection. Known for its commitment to quality and consistency, matter. Cannabis has already established a robust presence across states like Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, and now it aims to make its mark in New York, starting with Silk Road NYC.
Starting today, Silk Road NYC offers an extensive range of matter. Cannabis products, including high-quality flower, pre-rolls, and vape carts. Each product is a testament to matter.’s dedication to enhancing everyday moments with top-tier cannabis, grown by expert cultivators in state-of-the-art facilities. This introduction is more than just an expansion; it’s a new chapter for cannabis enthusiasts in Queens looking to elevate their experience.
Originating in Illinois, matter. has rapidly expanded its footprint, reaching cannabis connoisseurs in states like Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Michigan, and Colorado. The brand’s fame stems from its wide product assortment, catering to diverse preferences and needs. From soothing indicas to uplifting sativas and balanced hybrids, matter. ensures there’s something for everyone.
Silk Road NYC Dispensary, located at the cultural crossroads of Jamaica, Queens, is not just a store but
Hamilton police say they dismantled an illegal underground dispensary operating out of a Barton Street laundromat, one of several warrants executed in the city last week targeting illicit drugs.
On Thursday, Feb. 29, police executed a search warrant at the laundromat at 447 Barton St. E., just west of Wentworth Street North. In a news release police said the investigation uncovered an underground and not-advertised dispensary for numerous drugs.
An illegal dispensary that was operating out of a Barton Street laundromat has been busted by the Hamilton police.
It’s one of two recent drug-related raids in the city that has led officers to seize a large swath of illegal paraphernalia and make several arrests.
Police say that that on Feb. 29, they raided a laundromat at 447 Barton Street East, where they uncovered “an underground and non-advertised dispensary for numerous illegal illicit drug products.”
The details of the scale of the operation have not been released, but one arrest was made in connection to it.
35-year-old Christopher Karns, from Hamilton, is facing several charges for possession with the purpose of trafficking for fentanyl, oxycodone and psilocybin.
Authorities say they expect additional drug related charges to be laid once further testing by Health Canada has been completed.
In a separate investigation, four arrests were made over two two drug-related searches at residential arrests throughout the city on Feb. 27.
The raids netted the force with a long laundry list of illegal goods, from fentanyl to liquid codeine, cocaine, psilocybin, a cocaine press, a money counter and a shotgun to name a few things.
