More than 150 cannabis shops were mistakenly approved too close to schools, and now lawmakers want to fix the law, according to the Times Union.
The state misread a rule requiring dispensaries to be 500 feet from schools. Most affected shops — nearly 90% — are in New York City, and could be forced to relocate unless lawmakers act. A new bill would align cannabis shop distance rules with those for liquor stores, cutting the required gap to 200 feet.
Gov. Hochul’s office and regulators say they’ll work with the Legislature to protect existing businesses. Critics blame the Office of Cannabis Management for not flagging the issue sooner.
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