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.
