New York state is on the brink of permitting licensed liquor stores to sell cannabis-infused drinks, though these beverages would need to be low in THC content.
Legislators are examining a proposal that would enable liquor stores to offer marijuana beverages alongside traditional alcohol, provided these drinks contain less than 5 milligrams of THC.
According to a memo linked to the bill, Rep. John Zaccaro (D-Bronx) and Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) assert that “New York’s independent liquor stores are uniquely qualified to retail low-potency cannabis beverages.”
The memo further points out that these stores are already required to be independently owned, situated at least 200 feet away from schools and places of worship, and must employ staff trained in stringent age verification processes.
If the bill passes, lawmakers argue it would safeguard the state’s approximately 600 licensed marijuana dispensaries by limiting them to low-strength beverages, as most dispensaries primarily sell higher-dose options.
This legislation also aims to generate revenue for loans and grants directed at social equity-owned dispensaries, and the tax income could bolster the state Cannabis Control Board along with the grants it provides.
However, one cannabis retailer has voiced resistance to the liquor industry entering the cannabis space.
The dynamics are somewhat complicated, especially since the liquor store lobby has been against efforts to permit wine sales in grocery stores.
“It’s ridiculous. If they can’t sell alcohol, why should liquor stores sell marijuana?” questioned Osbert Orduna, CEO of The Cannabis Place in Middle Village, Queens. He is also a member of both the National Hispanic Council and the Cannabis Association Military Disabled Veterans Association.
Orduna mentioned that their company offers drinks that are infused with low doses of THC, particularly during warmer months.
He also pointed out the substantial illegal market still thriving for unlicensed cannabis, which affects the earnings of legal cannabis stores.
“That doesn’t make sense,” he remarked.
Currently, there are 595 state-licensed cannabis dispensaries throughout New York, with many of them located in New York City following the legalization of adult-use cannabis sales by Congress in 2021.
