Unlicensed Marijuana Dispensaries Are Multiplying In New York City, Despite State Warnings
Some of the dispensaries that have opened seek to exploit loopholes
On a recent afternoon, a sales associate at Street Lawyer Services, a marijuana dispensary on the Lower East Side, scrolled through the shop’s inventory on a screen as Oliver, a return customer, looked on. Because of the store’s “gifting” model, he was technically there to purchase digital content such as a video or mixtape that just happened to come with a cannabis gift of his choice.
Oliver chose a $40 “content pack” that included THC edibles packaged to look like a popular brand of sour gummies. He weighed different options for a vape cartridge, finally landing on one labeled with a strain called “Girl Scout Cookies” for $60. His total for these and other goodies came to about $200, and he also opted to become a member of the shop. That way he could get future discounts and perks, which include free access to the colorfully painted lounge in the back.
Oliver, who asked for his last name to be withheld because of the stigma still associated with cannabis, said he preferred this retail experience over texting a dealer.
“It’s a great thing,” he said. “I feel like it’s more regulated and safer. I like walking into a store better than some random guy coming to my house.”
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