Thousands still waiting to open dispensaries 5 years after N.Y. legalized pot
There is a backlog of thousands of applicants who have been waiting years for approval to open legalized dispensaries in New York.
Watch CBS News
There is a backlog of thousands of applicants who have been waiting years for approval to open legalized dispensaries in New York.
It's been five years since New York legalized recreational marijuana, and while the industry has generated billions of dollars in sales, CBS News New York's Ali Bauman found there is still a backlog of thousands of applicants who have been waiting years for approval to open shop.
Dispensaries were approved to open if they were at least 500 feet away from schools, but the state says it miscalculated.
Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday personally destroyed several tons of seized illegal cannabis products.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's Cannabis Control Board said it's considering loosening the rules so that more legal weed stores can open in local neighborhoods.
CBS New York took part in an exclusive ride-along with NYC law enforcement targeting illegal marijuana shops.
New York is making progress in shutting down illegal cannabis shops, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. CBS New York's Natalie Duddridge spoke to a licensed store owner who says the enforcement is boosting sales.
Maps show where weed and marijuana products are legal for recreational and medical use in the United States.
An NYPD unit even cut Upper West Side sore Zaza Waza's locks and replaced them with new ones.
An NYPD unit even cut Upper West Side sore Zaza Waza's locks and replaced them with new ones. CBS New York's John Dias reports.
A court order has blocked the state from processing or issuing retail marijuana licenses since August.
Hundreds of marijuana dispensaries could soon open in New York. The state Supreme Court has lifted a preliminary injunction that had prevented the Office of Cannabis Management from processing or reviewing retail licenses. Read more: https://cbsloc.al/3N7YjPv
A judge ruled Gotham Buds, across from the Apollo Theatre, is exempt from an injunction blocking the Office of Cannabis Management from opening any other dispensaries while a lawsuit proceeds against its licensing program.
A judge ruled the business can move forward and begin sales. CBS New York's Alice Gainer reports.
Despite initial pushback from the local business improvement district, opening of Gotham Buds is moving forward.
Gotham Buds will be located across the street from the famed Apollo Theater. CBS New York's Jessica Moore reports.
The court issued an injunction stopping the state from processing new applications for retail licenses.
New dispensaries are on hold as a lawsuit brought by disabled veterans makes its way through the courts, CBS New York's Christina Fan reports.
A New York judge has blocked retail marijuana licensing. The ruling is a setback for many people trying to get into the growing industry. CBS New York's Ali Bauman explains. Read more: https://cbsloc.al/47CGKQ2
In another blow to New York's rollout of recreational marijuana, licensing remains on hold after a judge sided with a group of disabled veterans. Read more: https://cbsloc.al/47CGKQ2
Statewide, illicit sales are expected to be $5.4 billion and licensed sales are projected to be only $2 billion.
These marijuana markets are expected to pop up all over New York in the coming months.
New York's struggling recreational pot industry has hit another roadblock. As CBS New York's Jennifer McLogan reports, a judge has temporarily stopped the state from issuing any new retail cannabis licenses.
It follows a lawsuit that claims the state has kept licenses from disabled veterans and other minority groups.
Shoppers said they prefer the regulated marijuana market because they know exactly what they're buying.
Cody Bellinger's tiebreaking homer sparked a five-run eighth inning capped by Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s three-run drive, and the banged-up Yankees beat the Red Sox 6-1 on Sunday.
There will be no watch party for Knicks fans outside Madison Square Garden while President Trump attends Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Brad Lander is endorsed by Mayor Mamdani and Rep. Dan Goldman is backed by Gov. Hochul in a race that's turned into one of New York's hottest of 2026.
Severe weather in Queens caused the death of an elderly man when a tree fell on him in Forest Park on Saturday night.
The Broadway revival of the musical (nominated for 11 Tony Awards) depicts drama, joy and heartbreak in the pursuit of the American Dream at the turn of the 20th century, with parallels to the contemporary world, from issues of race to the immigrant experience.
There will be no watch party for Knicks fans outside Madison Square Garden while President Trump attends Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Brad Lander is endorsed by Mayor Mamdani and Rep. Dan Goldman is backed by Gov. Hochul in a race that's turned into one of New York's hottest of 2026.
Severe weather in Queens caused the death of an elderly man when a tree fell on him in Forest Park on Saturday night.
The 2026 Queens Pride Parade was held Sunday in Jackson Heights. Here's what to know about its history, the route, and more.
Saturday was New York City's annual Missing Persons Day, hosted by the city's Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Storms hit the New York City area on Saturday, bringing damaging winds, hail and downpours across the region.
It's unseasonably warm in New York City on Wednesday as humidity adds to the summer-like weather. There's also a slight chance for showers in parts of the Tri-State Area.
It's back to feeling like spring, and even summer on some days, as warm weather and sunshine return to the New York area.
A final round of showers is moving through the New York area in the morning before the rest of the week turns much drier and warmer.
The New York area is off to a soggy start to the unofficial kickoff of summer with rainy weather this Memorial Day Weekend.
Tensions rose once again this weekend outside Delaney Hall in Newark after the mayor scaled back local law enforcement.
For half a century, The Valerie Fund has been dedicated to providing care to children with cancer and blood disorders.
Storms hit the New York City area on Saturday, bringing damaging winds, hail and downpours across the region.
A New Jersey nonprofit called The Valerie Fund is celebrating 50 years of providing comprehensive care to children with cancer and blood disorders.
A child died and five people, including a firefighter and police officer, were hurt after flames broke out at a home in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
An 18-year-old pleaded guilty Thursday to murder and weapons charges in connection to a deadly shooting at a Long Island house party in 2025.
Storms hit the New York City area on Saturday, bringing damaging winds, hail and downpours across the region.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who is from Long Island, returned to his home turf Friday to spread the word on what is right with the agency.
A Long Island jury found Steven Schwally guilty of 2nd degree murder for ramming his car into a Deer Park nail salon while drunk.
John Gotti's grandson Carmine Gotti Agnello was arrested Wednesday for allegedly assaulting a woman, Nassau County Police said.
Brad Lander is endorsed by Mayor Mamdani and Rep. Dan Goldman is backed by Gov. Hochul in a race that's turned into one of New York's hottest of 2026.
As President Trump prepares to watch the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, officials are planning for a heightened security posture, sources said.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who is from Long Island, returned to his home turf Friday to spread the word on what is right with the agency.
In a CBS News interview, White House border czar Tom Homan defended conditions at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, amid intense protests over the New Jersey facility. "
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Thursday he is scaling back police at Delaney Hall. The announcement followed the arrests of two protesters on Wednesday night.
For half a century, The Valerie Fund has been dedicated to providing care to children with cancer and blood disorders.
A New Jersey nonprofit called The Valerie Fund is celebrating 50 years of providing comprehensive care to children with cancer and blood disorders.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is urging people to donate blood ahead of the summer months.
There's no vaccine for the Bourbon virus, nor medicine to treat it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Marie Francillion was diagnosed with lung cancer after she was feeling heartburn and shoulder pain. She said she's able to remain hopeful and spend more time with her family because of a different type of treatment.
The Broadway revival of the musical (nominated for 11 Tony Awards) depicts drama, joy and heartbreak in the pursuit of the American Dream at the turn of the 20th century, with parallels to the contemporary world, from issues of race to the immigrant experience.
Madonna performed a surprise concert in Times Square weeks before the release of her "Confessions II" album.
Knicks superfan Spike Lee stopped by CBS Mornings to give his thoughts as the Knicks get set to play in the NBA Finals, and he offered his prediction, too.
The 25th edition of the film and media festival opens on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 world premiere documentaries and narrative features, as well as short films, live music, podcasts and conversations with leading entertainment figures.
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
Cody Bellinger's tiebreaking homer sparked a five-run eighth inning capped by Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s three-run drive, and the banged-up Yankees beat the Red Sox 6-1 on Sunday.
There will be no watch party for Knicks fans outside Madison Square Garden while President Trump attends Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Fermin's home run nullified a fine performance by Mets rookie Nolan McLean, who allowed one run on three hits and three walks in six innings.
Saturday night's Red Sox-Yankees game was postponed due to rain and rescheduled.
Golden Tempo made Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner and the second woman to train a Belmont Stakes winner.
Harlem's historic Cotton Club recently announced it was up for sale. The news comes as jazz clubs across the borough disappear.
Jasir Gipson was shot by a stray bullet at 5 years old while walking with his mother. More than a decade later, he's graduating from high school with nothing but a smile.
Garbage piling up near freight train tracks is frustrating many Maspeth residents.
Residents and elected officials are urging the MTA to reopen the Long Island Rail Road's former Elmhurst station, arguing that the neighborhood has outgrown its current transit options.
Before there was a Brooklyn, there was a flagpole, and since the earliest days of our country, it stood as a symbol of freedom and self-determination.
People dressed in elaborate headgear and paraded up Fifth Avenue for New York City's Easter Sunday tradition.
The Halloween tradition strolled through Manhattan's East Village on Sunday, with furry friends dressed in colorful costumes.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
The annual Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival was held in Manhattan on April 20, 2025.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Iran war is still ongoing, despite promises from President Trump that it would be quick and effective. How do New Yorkers feel about it?
Jack Schlossberg is in a tough and intense race to fill the seat of retiring NYC Congressman Jerry Nadler.
Brad Lander, the former NYC comptroller, thinks his next stop should be Washington, but he'll have to defeat a fellow Democrat to do it.
Democrats Brad Lander and Jack Schlossberg are in two competitive House primary races. They both desperately want to go to Washington.
Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat of the House Intelligence Committee, told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that President Trump's decision to tap Bill Putle as the acting Director of National Intelligence is "probably the worst most dangerous" nod of Mr. Trump's "basket of awful appointments."
