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.
A father and husband is dead after a car crashed into him while he was riding his bike home in a hit-and-run in the Bronx.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, there is an ongoing fight to repair Jersey City's memorial for the victims.
Fernando Tatis Jr. robbed New York's Francisco Lindor of a grand slam and hit two homers, leading the Padres to a 5-2 win over the Mets on Tuesday night.
Trent Grisham hit his 17th home run in the third inning and had a two-run single in the seventh to propel the New York Yankees to a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.
An emotional vigil was held Tuesday evening in the Bronx for Riley Billingslea, a 15-year-old who police say was found shot to death last week in a Kingsbridge Heights apartment building.
A father and husband is dead after a car crashed into him while he was riding his bike home in a hit-and-run in the Bronx.
An emotional vigil was held Tuesday evening in the Bronx for Riley Billingslea, a 15-year-old who police say was found shot to death last week in a Kingsbridge Heights apartment building.
Emergency responders were on the scene in the Bronx for a collision involving an MTA bus and an FDNY fire truck.
A Rockland County bar had its liquor license summarily suspended after multiple alleged violations for serving alcohol to minors as young as 16.
Researchers in New York City are developing apps that help blind people navigate life, from grocery shopping to getting around using the subway.
Rainy weather returns to the New York City area Sunday, bringing with it the threat of flooding.
Bayonne, New Jersey, is heading to the Little League World Series after beating Darien, Connecticut, in the Metro Region Tournament on Friday.
We're in great shape on this Friday as we gear up for another weekend.
The potential for severe storms and downpours returns to the Tri-State Area Monday as sweltering temperatures continue.
Monday will be a First Alert Weather Day due to the possibility of afternoon and evening thunderstorms and high heat indices near 100 degrees.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, there is an ongoing fight to repair Jersey City's memorial for the victims.
Residents in Keyport, New Jersey, have been saying for months they fear a cancer cluster in their community that sits near a former landfill and aircraft hub.
There was a pair of protests Monday in Jersey City, New Jersey, including one against Mayor James Solomon's proposed 15.5% tax hike due to a deficit he blames on the past administration.
Amtrak is reopening part of the 116-year-old East River Tunnel that underwent major renovations after being damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Rainy weather returns to the New York City area Sunday, bringing with it the threat of flooding.
There was a gathering Monday in the Long Island town of Shirley to denounce the words of hate scrawled on a banner. CBS News New York's Carolyn Gusoff has the story.
Elected officials and Islamic leaders on Long Island gathered Monday to condemn an act of hate that took place over the weekend.
Elected officials and Islamic leaders on Long Island gathered Monday to condemn an act of hate that took place over the weekend. CBS News New York's Carolyn Gusoff reports.
A double shooting in Hempstead has been ruled a murder-suicide, Nassau County Police say.
The third annual Black Wall Street Festival was held Saturday afternoon in Hempstead.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, there is an ongoing fight to repair Jersey City's memorial for the victims.
The New York City Council held an hours-long hearing Tuesday afternoon on the controversial new pied-à-terre tax rollout.
There are mounting questions and frustration over New York City's pied-à-terre tax, and they're not likely to end soon.
There was a pair of protests Monday in Jersey City, New Jersey, including one against Mayor James Solomon's proposed 15.5% tax hike due to a deficit he blames on the past administration.
Randy Mastro, a former federal prosecutor who has held high City Hall posts in two administrations, is raising the issue of open primaries, where all registered voters can participate regardless of party affiliation.
Two more deaths have been reported in connection to the Legionnaires' disease cluster on the Upper East Side, health officials said Friday.
Jones Beach is back open for swimmers after it was prohibited due to elevated bacterial levels. The rare shutdown took place from Thursday afternoon through midday Friday.
New Yorkers who buy their own health insurance could pay more as insurers file requests with the State Department of Financial Services to increase premiums.
In a wide-ranging interview with the CBS News partner BBC News, Hunter Biden grew emotional as he discussed his father's condition, describing it as very sad to watch.
The New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council claims The High Line Hotel tested positive for Legionella bacteria twice this summer.
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
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The lineup for the 2026 Global Citizen Festival in New York City was announced Thursday.
Latin music stars Marc Anthony, Feid, and others are set to perform at a benefit concert in Miami on August 16.
Fernando Tatis Jr. robbed New York's Francisco Lindor of a grand slam and hit two homers, leading the Padres to a 5-2 win over the Mets on Tuesday night.
Trent Grisham hit his 17th home run in the third inning and had a two-run single in the seventh to propel the New York Yankees to a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.
With their 2-1 win over the Padres on Monday night, the Mets have now won 10 of 13.
Bruno Damiani scored his first two goals of the season, and the Philadelphia Union rallied from two goals down to beat New York City FC 3-2 on Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.
Christian Scott pitched into the seventh inning and Luis Torrens hit a two-run homer Sunday, helping the surging Mets to a 4-3 win over the Nationals and a three-game series sweep.
The owner of a beloved Harlem food truck known for its burgers under $5 is retiring and selling the business.
The historic Art Deco bathhouse at Jacob Riis Park is getting a new life as the Rockaway Ocean Club. But as the long-dormant building reopens, some locals are questioning who will have access to its amenities.
Some residents of a Queens building say a temporary boiler truck parked outside has become a nearly two-year fixture, emitting smoke they say drifts into their homes.
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Parents in Harlem say their children's walk to summer camp is littered with trash, illegal dumping and a growing encampment.
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.
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The Mamdani administration is looking into curbside trash collection involving top-loading trucks instead of side-loading ones, according to StreetsBlog New York City.
Alisa Goods disappeared after traveling to Las Vegas, and more than a week later, her family is receiving messages from her phone asking for cash and bitcoin. CBS News New York's Elijah Westbrook reports.
There were elections across the country Tuesday, with Florida being a notable one as the race to replace the governor heats up. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
Larry Montes is being accused of creating a violent disturbance inside a New York City synagogue. CBS News New York's Christina Fan reports.
A 17-year-old was slashed in the back, and an 18-year-old was slashed in the head Tuesday night in Queens, according to the NYPD.