New York State may soon allow licensed liquor stores to sell cannabis-infused drinks \u2014 but they would only be able to stock low-dosage options.<\/p>\n
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow liquor stores to get permits to sell weed drinks alongside wine and beer, but only if the THC content is 5 milligrams or less.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York\u2019s independent liquor stores are uniquely qualified to retail low-potency cannabis beverages,\u201d Assemblyman John Zaccaro (D-Bronx) and Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) said in a memo accompanying the proposed bill.<\/p>\n
New York State may soon allow licensed liquor stores to sell cannabis-infused drinks \u2014 but they would only be able to stock low-dosage options. Solarisys \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are already required to be independently owned, must maintain a distance of at least 200 feet from schools and houses of worship, and employ staff trained in rigorous age-verification protocols,\u201d the memo added.<\/p>\n
The lawmakers claim their measure, if approved, would protect the nearly 600 licensed marijuana stores in the state by limiting the stores to low-potency drinks, while many of the cannabis dispensaries only sell higher-dose beverages.<\/p>\n
This bill would also provide revenue to fund loans and grants for social equity-owned dispensaries, and the tax revenue generated would also bolster funding for the state Office of Cannabis Management and grants issued by the office.<\/p>\n
But one cannabis store operator said he opposed allowing the liquor industry to enter the cannabis market.<\/p>\n
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow liquor stores to get permits to sell weed drinks alongside wine and beer, but only if the THC content is 5 milligrams or less. hurricanehank \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York\u2019s independent liquor stores are uniquely qualified to retail low-potency cannabis beverages,\u201d Assemblyman John Zaccaro and Sen. Jeremy Cooney (pictured) said in a memo accompanying the proposed bill. @SenatorCooney\/Twitter<\/p>\n