The Dormitory Authority State of New York’s (DASNY) $200 million social equity program hopes to develop cannabis conditional adult-use retail dispensaries (CAURD) for social equity licensees. As part of this goal, DASNY released two requests for proposals (RFP). The $50 million is anticipated to be recouped in licensing fees and revenue from the adult-use industry and up to $150 million from the private sector. These funds will be used to:
Identify suitable locations for dispensaries
Acquire or lease the space for the dispensaries
Design and construct the space to suit business needs
Fit locations with furniture and other equipment
The RFP for “Design-Build Services for Retail Cannabis Dispensaries” released on May 13, 2022 paints a picture of what’s to come in New York.
As a quick recap, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has the authority to create and regulate a social equity program (Social Equity Fund Program) “to provide persons harmed by the disproportionate enforcement of the cannabis laws with licenses for the legal sale of cannabis through conditional adult-use retail cannabis dispensaries in New York State.” DASNY is seeking proposals from qualified Design-Build teams to provide design, construction,