Cannabis licensing reform seeks to give those with past convictions a head start

There have been issues with cannabis licensing schemes around the U.S. and elsewhere.

Questions have been raised about the process in the past with many wondering how the candidates are ultimately selected.

We have seen multiple lawsuits come about that have sought for more transparency in this process, and some licensing systems have been criticized for the alleged collusion and corruption along the way.

How can things be improved?

One unfortunate consequence of the legalization of marijuana has been seeing those who have been laying the ground work for years or decades in this market being pushed out by corporate groups.

As well, there are still those who might be paying time behind bars, or suffering for past convictions related to cannabis even though things have changed drastically now.

Still, we have seen a number of records expunged along the way as legalization for weed has spread.

New opportunity in the recreational cannabis market

Now we see that there is some effort at cannabis reform for licensing that is also looking to give those individuals with cannabis convictions a head start on getting into the business.

In New York, according to updated policy surrounding cannabis dispensaries, it looks like those with a past cannabis conviction are going to have priority for the licensing process.

The family members of those with convictions could also benefit.

These individuals would qualify for the first round of licenses that are available in the region, one of the hottest cannabis market areas in the country.

For those who had spent any time behind bars for this plant it is at least a small step in the right direction to try and rectify those wrongs and balance some of that injustice.

Will other licensing schemes follow in the same path if it works out? Will the new process be transparent enough to satisfy?

Since the war on drugs has been initiated there are tens of thousands of Americans who have landed in prison over marijuana, there have been millions of arrests.

Overall, it is estimated that enforcing rules surrounding cannabis is an endeavor for authorities that costs upwards of $3 billion each year. Getting into the cannabis business can also be extremely costly, requiring hundreds of thousands, or millions of dollars, depending on what market you might be looking to crack into and what products or services someone might want to provide.

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Sources:
https://mjbizdaily.com/california-cannabis-company-sues-over-revoked-business-license/
https://reason.org/commentary/nevadas-flawed-marijuana-legalization-process-leads-to-corruption-and-lawsuits/
https://kutv.com/news/local/lawsuit-alleges-collusion-by-state-officials-awarding-licenses-to-grow-medical-cannabis
https://gothamist.com/news/cannabis-equity-advocates-hail-innovative-approach-for-recreational-weed-licenses-in-ny