NYC: No Rec Shops Just Yet but Weed Delivery is Coming
The issuance of the first licenses for cannabis retail shops in New York City was announced last month, and as of this week, those businesses that have received a license are allowed to start delivering the product to home addresses in the city. Of course, upon delivery, you’ll be asked for an ID saying that you’re 21 or older.
Recreational cannabis was legalized in the state of New York in 2021, and medical marijuana has been legal here since 2014. However, both home cultivation of weed for recreational purposes and the sale of cannabis in NYC remain in legal limbo.
Marijuana Stores are Still a Long Way to Go
According to the state’s regulations, a company that has been granted a license to sell marijuana for adult use must do so in a location approved by the authorities. Moreover, there’re specific regulations for setting up the place that a shop owner must meet. It’s a long process, and it’ll still be some time before you’re likely to buy your first legal joint in a brick-and-mortar store in New York.
Weed Delivery will Make Up for the Lag
Fortunately, the city has come up with a plan to jump-start the legal sales even before the stores are ready. Each licensee is now allowed to start delivering weed to customers from a pre-approved location. A business can employ up to 25 couriers and use only ground transportation. However, it isn’t a requirement to restrict deliveries to the county where the firm is located – they can legally deliver across county borders.
Since it’s still illegal for persons under the age of 21 to use cannabis, delivery people must ask a customer for an ID before finalizing the purchase. Another thing that sets weed delivery apart from any other is that you can’t pay with your credit card. Cannabis is still federally prohibited, so banks are in no rush to give financial services to the industry, so be prepared to pay cash or use a debit card.
