New York announced that those who have been directly impacted by the war on drugs are now able to submit applications to become one of the first retail licensors in the state. 

Applications are now open at the New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management’s website. Any person who is qualifying for a prospective business must have a conviction for a marijuana-related offense that occurred prior to the passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act that passed in March 2021.  

Those who apply would also need to have experience owning and operating a qualifying business that has been profitable for at least two years.  

Up to 150 licenses are reserved for this group, and the application window closes on Sept. 26.