NYS liquor stores may get OK to sell cannabis drinks — but there’s a catch
New York State Considers Allowing Licensed Liquor Stores to Sell Cannabis-Infused Drinks
New York State is exploring the possibility of permitting licensed liquor stores to offer cannabis-infused beverages, but with a restriction on the dosage. The proposed bill would only allow liquor stores to stock weed drinks with a THC content of 5 milligrams or less.
Assemblyman John Zaccaro (D-Bronx) and Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) emphasized in a memo that New York’s independent liquor stores are well-equipped to retail low-potency cannabis beverages. They highlighted the existing regulations that liquor stores must adhere to, such as being independently owned, maintaining a distance from schools and houses of worship, and ensuring staff are trained in age-verification protocols.
The lawmakers argue that this measure would safeguard the nearly 600 licensed marijuana stores in the state by restricting them to low-potency drinks, as opposed to many cannabis dispensaries that sell higher-dose beverages.
In addition to generating revenue, the bill aims to fund loans and grants for social equity-owned dispensaries, as well as support the state Office of Cannabis Management and its grant programs.
However, some cannabis store operators oppose the idea of allowing the liquor industry to enter the cannabis market. Osbert Orduna, CEO of The Cannabis Place, raised concerns about the inconsistency of allowing liquor stores to sell cannabis while opposing wine sales in grocery stores.
Despite the potential revenue benefits, Orduna pointed out the persistent issue of the illicit market selling unlicensed weed, which impacts the legitimate cannabis shops’ profitability.
With 595 state-licensed cannabis dispensaries in New York, particularly in New York City following the legalization of marijuana sales for adult use in 2021, the debate over allowing liquor stores to sell cannabis-infused drinks continues.
