New York, New Jersey and Connecticut — with a combined population of 33 million — are scrambling to open recreational markets in the coming months.
After years of taking a back seat to the West Coast, many industry observers believe that New York City will become the center of the cannabis industry.
Even staunchly conservative states like South Dakota and Mississippi have passed legalization referendums in recent years as statehouses drive the action without Washington’s help.
And two multistate operators — Ascend Wellness and MedMen — are locked in a contentious legal battle over a deal to acquire a New York license.
That almost certainly means New Jersey will get a jump on seizing market share — and initial tax revenue from recreational sales.
Cannabis Regulatory Commission Executive Director Jeff Brown described the cannabis market as operating on two “tracks” — existing medical operators looking to phase in recreational sales, and brand new recreational businesses entering the industry.
Despite these lingering concerns, New Jersey is far ahead of New York.
New York cannabis leaders say they’re not concerned by the competition posed by New Jersey and Connecticut.
We have too much work to do here,” Alexander said.
“I’m not competing with other states,” said Connecticut DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull.
Aspiring cannabis growers in Connecticut are dreaming about the day that they’ll be able to sell their crops to dispensaries in New York City.
Vega and Jason Ortiz, both longtime cannabis advocates in the state, are planning to apply for a type of social equity cultivator license that comes with a hefty $3 million price tag.