Opening of cannabis dispensaries stalled as judge reverses course
Last week, Judge Kevin Bryan granted exemptions to 23 license-holders who the Office of Cannabis Management fully approved by the state before Aug. 7. Bryant now says those applicants did not all meet the requirements for exemptions.
More Stories
A State Supreme Court judge rescinded the exemptions for several dispensaries in Hudson Valley amid a legal injunction that froze licensing for all new shops.
Last week, Judge Kevin Bryan granted exemptions to 23 license-holders who the Office of Cannabis Management fully approved by the state before Aug. 7. Bryant now says those applicants did not all meet the requirements for exemptions.
"I got some people who are dying for us to open,” said Orange County Cannabis Co.'s owner Howard Libron.
Libron told News 12 his company recently had a hiring event, locked down suppliers and finished paperwork with the plan to open last Friday. They haven't been considered yet for an exemption.
"We're just moving along,” he added. “Hopefully the OCM and the judge will have some good news for us in the next round.”
Libron’s attorney acknowledged he’s trying to help his family get an exemption when the Office of Cannabis Management goes back to court next week.
An Office of Cannabis Management spokesperson said, “We are committed to working with the cannabis control board to find a way forward that does not derail our efforts to bring the most equitable cannabis market in the nation to life.”
