When Will NY Start Rec Sales? We Get Answers from This Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Albany New York

In case you haven’t heard the big news, New York just legalized recreational cannabis. It’s true - adults can now legally own and consume marijuana in the Empire State. That might be a little difficult, though. Sure, weed is technically legal. But the state still hasn’t issued any licenses to allow dispensaries to actually sell recreational reefer. So, that begs the question: when will New York begin rec sales? To find the answer, we asked some of our friends at a medical cannabis dispensary in Albany New York.

Here’s When NY Rec Sales Start According to This Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Albany New York

When New York became the 15th state to legalize cannabis on March 31, things seemed to change overnight. Now, any New York resident may legally possess up to 3 ounces of flower. Are concentrates more of your thing? No problem, the state also legalized possession of 24 grams (just under an ounce) of concentrates like BHO.

Residents were ecstatic. Dozens of events in recent months have elicited enthused cries declaring “New York is Back!” But none of them invoked as much excitement as the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis. While celebrating crowds lit up, others asked an important question: where could they even acquire cannabis?

No recreational stores had begun to serve the public. And medical marijuana dispensaries turned the general public away, catering only to card-carrying medical patients.

New York residents likely won’t get to buy weed in stores until December 2022. That seems like an eternity － it’s 18 months away!

So what gives? Are lawmakers dragging their feet? Is there something shady going on behind the scenes?

In reality, the answer is much more blase. 

Why Haven’t Recreational Sales Started Yet?

New York has to tackle many of the same issues surrounding recreational cannabis that other states have already faced. Although the state has legalized private possession and consumption, it lacks the infrastructure to open stores.

For example, take Massachusetts, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2018. The state mandated that recreational cannabis stores would have six months to open.

There’s a lot involved in that process. Stores must secure their licenses, build their locations, and hire employees. And that’s not to mention the actual growing of cannabis, which takes 30-40 days at the absolute minimum. After all, you can’t sell weed if you don’t have any in the first place.

The New York marijuana industry is facing similar growing pains. Sure, cannabis is recreationally legal now. But there just isn’t the infrastructure to start selling weed to the public. This kind of stuff doesn’t happen overnight!

Stop By This Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Albany New York Once Recreational Sales Begin

If you’re a medical patient in New York, you’re in luck! You can purchase your medicine from any cannabis dispensary in the state. For those who live upstate, stop by our favorite medical cannabis dispensary in Albany New York. For the rest of you, just sit tight. You’ll be able to pay them a visit soon enough!