The city’s first legal cannabis shops are starting to open, bringing with them a diverse selection of top-tier weed and accessories. But weed lovers need to know how to navigate the new retail landscape. This guide to NYC Dispensary recreational cannabis shops will help shoppers find their perfect match, from a store that offers a curated collection of leading brands to one that hosts community engagement events and dining experiences like THC-infused couple massage classes.
First-time customers should familiarize themselves with the different adult-use license types and requirements to avoid any mishaps while shopping. For example, retailers must offer child-resistant storage containers for cannabis and have an inventory system that tracks sales and tax liability in real time. They must also be able to report any security breaches, incidents, or thefts to the Office of Cannabis within 24 hours. The store must have secure areas for cannabis, and its employees must be trained to recognize the warning signs of a potential theft or diversion.
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In addition to meeting the minimum requirements, a prospective retail operator must meet other criteria. For instance, the applicant must prove it owns or controls the property where it plans to operate, and it must have a management team with experience running licensed businesses. The owner must also submit documents, business plans, financial disclosures, and criminal background checks. Applicants are also required to set aside half of all their licenses for social and economic equity applicants—a move designed to right the wrongs of the War on Drugs and bring cannabis into formerly under-served communities.