Social Equity & Justice Reform

New York’s cannabis program was designed to repair harm caused by decades of prohibition and over-policing. The law prioritizes licenses for:

  • Individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis arrests

  • Women- and minority-owned businesses

  • Service-disabled veterans

  • Legacy market operators transitioning to legal business

The New York Social Equity Fund reinvests a portion of tax revenue into community development, education, and workforce training — supporting fair opportunity in the new cannabis economy.

NYC Weed News highlights these pioneers and advocates for equitable growth at every level.

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