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.
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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.
The Twins hit six homers in a game for the first time in nearly three years to pull away for an 11-4 victory over the slumping Yankees on Saturday.
Crowds still packed the Jones Beach shoreline to cool off, play and see the fireworks Saturday despite recent shark sightings and a bite to a swimmer's foot.
Serena Williams cited a knee injury behind her decision to withdraw from a doubles match at Wimbledon.
Stormy weather could disrupt some Fourth of July fireworks displays in the New York and New Jersey area on Saturday.
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to win the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest while Miki Sudo ate 38 3/4 to win the women's competition.
Crowds still packed the Jones Beach shoreline to cool off, play and see the fireworks Saturday despite recent shark sightings and a bite to a swimmer's foot.
Stormy weather could disrupt some Fourth of July fireworks displays in the New York and New Jersey area on Saturday.
Reigning champion Joey Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs and buns to win the 2026 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest while Miki Sudo ate 38 3/4 to win the women's competition.
Macy's 4th of July fireworks show in New York City is set to celebrate America's 250th birthday this Saturday.
Forty ships from the United States and around the world set sail at 9:30 a.m. from the Verrazzano Bridge, marking the largest parade of tall ships ever assembled.
Stormy weather could disrupt some Fourth of July fireworks displays in the New York and New Jersey area on Saturday.
The brutal heat wave caused power problems across New York City on Friday.
New York City Thursday tied the record high temperature of 100 degrees set on this date in 1966.
The New York, New Jersey area is dealing with extreme heat as cooling centers, pools, parks and other resources try to keep residents cool.
Dangerously hot weather is beginning in the New York City area, with an Extreme Heat Warning about to go into effect.
Stormy weather could disrupt some Fourth of July fireworks displays in the New York and New Jersey area on Saturday.
The brutal heat wave caused power problems across New York City on Friday.
It was not immediately clear how many Delaney Hall detainees were impacted by the air conditioning issue or whether repairs were complete.
New York City Thursday tied the record high temperature of 100 degrees set on this date in 1966.
New Jersey is set to charge companies whose workers have Medicaid health coverage.
Crowds still packed the Jones Beach shoreline to cool off, play and see the fireworks Saturday despite recent shark sightings and a bite to a swimmer's foot.
Stormy weather could disrupt some Fourth of July fireworks displays in the New York and New Jersey area on Saturday.
A beachgoer suffered a shark bite at Jones Beach, officials confirmed, a day after multiple shark sightings at Long Island and New York City beaches.
The brutal heat wave caused power problems across New York City on Friday.
From Long Island to the World Cup, Joe Scally is making his hometown proud playing with the U.S. men's national team.
Brooklyn residents say loose boards and protruding nails on the Coney Island boardwalk have caused serious injuries.
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
President Trump hasn't committed to a firm number of people who will receive clemency — he's scheduled to have a meeting on pardons Friday afternoon, sources said.
It was not immediately clear how many Delaney Hall detainees were impacted by the air conditioning issue or whether repairs were complete.
New York City Zohran Mamdani remained unperturbed after taking a viral roasting for telling sweat-soaked New Yorkers in the middle of an expected heat wave to set their thermostats to 78° to protect the power grid.
A cluster of Legionnaires' disease cases on New York City's Upper East Side is under investigation, health officials say.
Dozens of cyclosporiasis cases were reported across New York state between May 1 and June 16, the CDC says.
Westchester County health officials say people should avoid recreational activities along a stretch of the Hudson River until further notice due to a massive raw sewage discharge.
New Jersey is set to charge companies whose workers have Medicaid health coverage.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Justice Department from executing subpoenas in a criminal probe that sought transgender care records for patients treated at New York hospitals.
The Empire State Building lit up in blue for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding Friday night.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The NYPD has announced street closures around Madison Square Garden for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donated to 20 local and national charities ahead of their wedding Friday.
Two elite event designers shared their thoughts on how Taylor Swift's team might transform Madison Square Garden.
The Twins hit six homers in a game for the first time in nearly three years to pull away for an 11-4 victory over the slumping Yankees on Saturday.
Serena Williams cited a knee injury behind her decision to withdraw from a doubles match at Wimbledon.
The New York Yankees ended a seven-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, but was sent off with a controversial red card in the 64th minute.
Camilo Doval forced in the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded walk in a four-run 11th inning that gave the Tigers a 6-2 victory over the Yankees on Wednesday.
Brooklyn residents say loose boards and protruding nails on the Coney Island boardwalk have caused serious injuries.
The World Cup is renewing the call for ferry service from West Harlem.
As children cooled off in a splash pad steps from the empty Red Hook Pool, families in the neighborhood said they are once again waiting for answers about when the public pool will open for the summer.
Miss Subways was a citywide contest that highlighted everyday New York women doing amazing things. The competition no longer exists but former titleholders say the message still rings true.
Fans gathered at the Brooklyn Public Library on Thursday for limited-edition card marking 30 years of "Reasonable Doubt."
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.
CBS News New York's John Elliott has your First Alert Forecast for July 4 at 6 p.m.
Video from Chopper 2 shows hundreds of beach umbrellas packing the shores of Coney Island on Saturday for the July 4th holiday. Dan Rice reports.
Reigning Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo defended their titles Saturday as the annual event returned to Coney Island. CBS News New York's Jennifer Bisram reports.
Many spent the Fourth of July at Jones Beach on Long Island for some fun in the sun and sand. CBS News New York's Jennifer McLogan reports.
Fourth of July celebrations kicked off Saturday morning with Sail4th 250, the largest ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world. CBS News New York's Alice Gainer reports.