Get excited about these prices!
State cannabis regulators proposed Wednesday to repeal rules that prohibit licensed cannabis stores from discounting marijuana products, a rule they argued disadvantages illegal operators.
Senior citizens, students and veterans could be offered discounted prices on cannabis gummies, oils and other items, sources said.
That could mean being able to buy two packs of 10 cigarettes for the price of one, in addition to other sales.
The proposal would allow cannabis dispensaries, for the first time, to enroll customers in “loyalty” programs for special discounts.
John Kagan, policy director for the state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control, said restrictions on bargain sales were initially put in place to address health and safety concerns.
But some have complained that the restrictions put licensed marijuana retailers at a disadvantage in price competition with the many illegal stores across the city and state.
He said it was time to cut red tape to grow the green economy.
“These restrictions have made it much more difficult for pharmacies to operate like a business as usual in our economy,” Kagan said.
“The new rules will allow pharmacies to operate more efficiently,” he added.
Licensed cannabis retailers applauded the move.
“This is huge. Lifting the restrictions on discounts is a big thing,” said Osbert Orduna, president of The Cannabis Place, a dispensary and delivery service in Middle Village.
Orduna said he runs a licensed cannabis store in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he offers discounts on certain products to veterans, seniors and students.
“We’ve never been able to do that in New York before,” he said.
The proposed rules are subject to public comment before final approval.
Meanwhile, state regulators have proposed another change that would lift a ban on manufacturers and dispensaries selling marijuana in flashy, neon-colored packaging.
The ban on brightly colored packaging was initially put in place to prevent cannabis companies from selling to minors.
But Kagan said there would be no ban on brightly colored packaging as long as it doesn’t mimic packaging for candy, cereal or other products targeted to children.
The department also relaxed rules on the number of signs pharmacies can display in their stores.
Currently, businesses are only allowed to have two signs in their storefront windows advertising their cannabis shop.
This order would be lifted under the new proposal.
Other signs or sandwich boards can also be placed outside the pot shop.
Restrictions on signage were also lifted, making it easier for marijuana dispensaries in rural upstate New York to let potential customers know where they are and what they do.
The Bureau of Cannabis Control is undergoing major reforms following a scathing state report commissioned by Gov. Kathy Hawkle in May.
But progress on reforms is slow, according to data from a backlog of applications discussed at Wednesday’s Cannabis Control Board meeting.
Still, regulators reported a big increase in sales at licensed cannabis stores after recently locking down illegal stores.
