STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York will be the “model for the rest of the nation” when it comes to rolling out adult-use marijuana retail dispensaries, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
During an Advance Media New York editorial board on Wednesday, Hochul confirmed the state will open a collection of 20 dispensaries by the end of this year, according to Advance/SILive.com sister publication Syracuse.com.
Hochul added “another 20″ will open every month or so after that.
“We’re going to make sure that this is a model for the rest of the nation – especially with our desire to make sure that people who’ve been affected by the criminal justice system adversely … have the opportunity to work in this area,” Hochul said.
Hochul’s announcement came two days prior to President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon thousands of Americans who were convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law.”
“No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana,” said the president in a statement.
“Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana.
“It’s time that we right these wrongs.”
According to the White House, the pardon could help thousands overcome obstacles to renting a home or finding a job.
