New York's first marijuana dispensary owned by housing group

On December 29th, a pharmacy in Manhattan operated by a housing construction company will become the first in the state to sell marijuana since the former governor signed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

The Housing Works is the largest minority-controlled AIDS service organization in the United States and also the largest community-based AIDS service organization. It provides a range of support services for people living with HIV/AIDS, homeless individuals, and those who were previously incarcerated or involved in the criminal justice system.

The state stated that the opening of the Manhattan pharmacy marks a milestone for the state's cultivation opportunity initiative, which aims to aid in the establishment of an adult-use cannabis industry in New York to counter the disproportionate harm caused by marijuana prohibition.

On December 21st, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced, "Just nine months ago, we laid out a roadmap to launch New York's adult-use cannabis market the right way, prioritizing equity, and now we're fulfilling that promise.

She continued, "The industry will continue to thrive here, creating inclusive opportunities in every corner of New York State, generating revenue for our schools, and revitalizing our communities.

New York Governor Hochul's planting opportunity program, announced in March, allows marijuana growers in the state to apply for a permit to cultivate marijuana, called a conditional adult-use cultivator license. Pharmacies must be owned by equity entrepreneurs who have previously committed marijuana-related criminal offenses, also known as justice-involved individuals, who also have a background in owning and operating small businesses or nonprofit organizations, to serve individuals harmed by marijuana prohibition.

Since its establishment in 1990, Housing Works has been providing services to individuals involved in the legal system. Today, the organization is adjusting its services to meet the needs of individuals who have previously been incarcerated, including those who have been convicted of marijuana offenses.

Charles Kim, CEO of Housing Works, stated, "At our core, we are a community dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, and vocational programming for New Yorkers. This opportunity will not only provide resources to advance our overall mission, but also showcase and elevate products from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women-led cannabis brands across the state.

Last month, the Marijuana Control Commission approved the first batch of 36 adult-use retail cannabis licenses, with 28 issued to qualifying businesses and eight temporary licenses granted to eligible nonprofit organizations.

According to the state, these are two retail pharmacies that have obtained operating licenses for Staten Island.

Eastern Holdings 88 LLC is owned by Yan Jin Chen and Zu Rong Chen. According to state records, Zu Rong Chen has owned and operated Long Wong Bakery II, Inc. for the past eight years, which is "a bakery serving the Brooklyn community, preparing a variety of fresh baked goods for customers from scratch." The business is involved in judicial proceedings.

SAMJNY Holdings LLC is owned by Mohamed Elgaly and Shlomo Weinstock. According to the state, for the past eight years, the named judge Mohamed Elgaly has owned and operated a retail store Vape Guys LLC in Staten Island, providing "safe and legal tobacco products that promote health and leisure.