As authorities work to hasten the launch of a legal market that a court decision had slowed down, New York regulators issued 99 new provisional licenses for recreational marijuana dispensaries on Monday.
Although only seven dispensaries have opened thus far, New York authorized marijuana for adult use in recreational settings two years ago.
A federal court decision from last fall that suspended retail licensing in some areas, notably Brooklyn and the Buffalo area, contributed to the slowdown of the rollout.
Moreover, the expansion of unauthorized outlets hurts legal operations.
Last week, a federal appeals court overturned the majority of that order, allowing the Cannabis Control Board to provisionally authorize licenses in those locations as part of the 99 licenses approved on Monday.
A separate application is still required of applicants.
Board Chairwoman Tremaine Wright said, “We’re incredibly delighted that we’re able to expand the rollout of legalized cannabis over practically every corner of the state.
One hundred sixty-five permits for retail dispensaries have now received provisional approval in New York.
A federal court presiding over a legal challenge to the state’s selection procedure temporarily halted licensing.
According to the business Variscite NY One, the state’s selection procedure gives New Yorkers a preference over citizens of other states, which is against the constitution’s provisions protecting interstate trade.
The U.S. made a decision last week.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals upholds the state’s ban on issuing licenses in the Finger Lakes region while allowing it to do so in Brooklyn, central New York, mid-Hudson, and western New York.
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