New York’s first legal weed dispensary is set to open Thursday.
On the eve of its grand opening, PIX11 News got a look inside Housing Works Cannabis, located at 750 Broadway, near Astor Place.
Last month, the state granted 36 licenses. 28 were given to business owners, prioritizing people who had served time behind bars for marijuana-related offenses. Eight additional licenses were issued to nonprofits like Housing Works, which serves people affected by HIV and homelessness. Proceeds from sales at the Housing Works store will go toward its programs.
Retail license holders will be joining a market already filled with unlicensed sellers, but license holders feel they have the edge. Sasha Nugent is the Retail Manager of Housing Works Cannabis.
“We’re backed by New York State as far as testing goes,” said Nugent. “That layer of safety and everything is triple-checked before it enters our store, so that’s basically why you should shop with us.”