Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State opened an application window for anyone who wants to set up a marijuana retail dispensary on October 4th. In the two weeks since, 20 different notifications have been filed with the city from individuals and businesses interested in being a cannabis dispensary.
"I wasn't surprised and I expect we're going to see a lot more," said
Councilmember Joel Feroleto with the Delaware District.
There is still about 60 days left to apply. New York State has extended
the application window until December 18.
"Just because they apply, doesn't mean they're going to get a license,"
cautioned Feroleto. "I certainly don't expect to see all of the applicants
who send a notice to the city to receive licenses from the state."
The State Office of Cannabis Management has indicated that they will approve between 450 to 900 retail dispensaries across the state.
"The state has regulations about proximity to other retail locations that
sell cannabis. They must be a certain distance from a school, and a place of worship," added Feroleto.
He said he doesn't know, and it's hard to predict how many will eventually be in Buffalo but he thinks there will be a lot in the suburbs as well.
"Whether you're supportive of it or not, it's here and its legalized in New York State. The way the state is permitting them, with testing of the product so that people know what they're purchasing, and the fact that it is taxed, I think it's a good thing," he said.