The OGs have something to say.
It been a week since the streets of New York were milly rocking to the news that adult-use weed is officially legal and naturally, the legacy pushers have a couple of cents. So long to the days when the boys can pull you over and search your vehicle because they say they smelled the herb. (That’s not to say Mrs. Officer won’t still bother you.)
In what’s now known as the most progressive legislation for marijuana, with 40% of projected revenue to be reinvested into communities of color, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act’s legalities pose threats to those who’ve been holding down the streets for decades. Although legal adult-use allows for a single person to grow up to 6 mature plants at home and carry up to 3 ounces, the penalty as laid out “could result in a violation and a fine but not an arrest, including low-level unlicensed sale (sale of less than a pound of marijuana), possession of more than 2 pounds of marijuana or 4 and a half ounces of marijuana concentrates, and violation of the regulations for home cultivation. Where does leave our budmen and women?
The short answer: With options. They could apply for licenses, maybe the “adult-use distributor licenses, for those who would wholesale and distribute products between the processors and the retail licensees.” An important note on that however, distributors are also responsible for collecting and remitting the THC based tax. Basically, you’re responsible for dealing with the IRS. So make sure your numbers are on point. Whether ready for the application fees or taking it day-by-day, a few budpeeps share their thoughts on plans on MRTA’s new legislation and this major shift for New York.
I’m glad that marijuana was finally legalized. It’s no different that the Prohibition Era and the 21st amendment. In my opinion, marijuana has way more benefits than alcohol, especially when it comes to alternative medicine. And I’m glad that people of color will no longer be villainized for something as trivial as marijuana and now, have a chance to capitalize on it and have another avenue of income/business. Lastly, it’s my hopes that all the individuals who entered the legal system because of marijuana will somehow have their records cleared…something needs to give with that. The government has to figure it out! I just hope that something is done for all the people who have records for marijuana. Think about people who were locked up and did time for something as stupid as weed – the rippling affect on the family and also the affect over being imprisoned. Prison is not joke. Now imagine all the things you go through being there that’s WAY more serious and you just in there for getting caught up with weed. Shit is illy.
Scar, Uptown NY
As of now it doesn’t [change anything for me]. Other than peace of mind for my delivery drivers. I’m sure it will affect me in the future once dispensaries open but my goal is to be in every one. :: insert flex emoji here:: [In regards to equity for POC] Blacks and Hispanics have never gotten a fair shot at anything. [Legacy NYC budmen] will most likely be irrelevant for the first couple of years because why buy from Tyrone on New Lots Ave when I can get the full dispensary experience. They will be obsolete until people get over the dispensary hype and realize most rec weed is overpriced and trash
G.Dub, Queens NY
“For one, I’m glad it’ll end the waste of resource to criminalize marijuana, particularly in minority communities— but I’m wondering if these regulations cause marijuana to continuously rise in price, like cigarettes have over decades.
B, Long Island NY
Cigarette companies essentially prey on peoples addiction to the product, and take advantage financially. Will the marijuana industry in our city do the same? I wonder
FINAALLLLYYYYYY…we can take a sigh of relief. I actually lived to see the day, but we still have many steps to take to ensure complete accessibility and knowledge on cannabis. Having complete access to laws, regulations and possible business ventures is quite imperative…and we can’t forget expungement of records. I am super excited to see what the future holds. My dream to become a dispensary owner is becoming a clear reality and that makes me smile!
G Money, Flatbush Brooklyn
CannaCultureConnect 