New Settlement Expands Cannabis Dispensaries in NYS
- The New York Cannabis Control Board has approved a settlement agreement to allow for more license applications through the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, a development which could lead to the opening of more legal cannabis dispensaries across the state. The agreement must now be approved by the NYS Supreme Court.
- The CAURD program was on hold after a lawsuit was filed against the NYS Cannabis Control Board and the NYS Office of Cannabis Management by four service-disabled veterans. The veterans claimed that the authorities had “overstepped their constitutional authority” by creating the CAURD category and prioritizing dispensary applicants from this category.
- The CAURD category is exclusively open to “justice-involved” individuals who own a profitable, qualifying business. If the settlement agreement is approved, 429 provisional CAURD licensees will be able to open storefronts if their applications are confirmed. The terms of the settlement are currently confidential until approved by the judge.
Rochester, N.Y. – Expansion of Legal Cannabis Dispensaries in New York State
The New York Cannabis Control Board endorsed a settlement to expand the Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, potentially leading to additional legal cannabis dispensaries in New York state. The move comes after a pause in the program due to legal disputes.
Find out more about the pending settlements here.
The agreement, pending approval from the NYS Supreme Court, could lift restrictions on 429 provisional CAURD licensees, allowing them to open storefronts if their applications succeed.
In August 2023, a lawsuit filed by four service-disabled veterans halted the issuance of CAURD licenses by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management. The plaintiffs alleged that the preferential treatment given to CAURD applicants overstepped constitutional authority.
Find out more about the first legal cannabis store in Ontario County here.
CAURD is a program intended for “justice-involved” individuals owning profitable, qualifying businesses. Will Thomas, a CAURD applicant, voiced frustration over the stalled process, citing wasted resources.
The plaintiffs claim they’re losing valuable time and prime retail opportunities as CAURD applicants proceed.
The confidential settlement terms must receive judicial approval to take effect.
For more about the expansion of the NYS cannabis market, click here.
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