The Hochul administration has begun accepting applications from “justice-involved” individuals for retail cannabis dispensary licenses as officials prepare to provide some of those awarded licenses with “state of the art” storefronts constructed and furnished by the state Dormitory Authority.

In response to questions from CNHI, Chris Alexander, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management and a Hochul appointee, acknowledged that his agency has no plans to conduct credit checks on so-called social equity applicants seeking to enter what he said is poised to become the world’s biggest marijuana market.

‘THE BEST OPERATORS’

Alexander said the prime focus of the vetting process will be an assessment of the applicants’ experience in overseeing a business.

Those who seek social equity applicant status must have been prosecuted for a marijuana offense in New York prior to March 31, 2021. They must also have owned and operated a business that was profitable for at least two years.

Alexander said he believes the review process will ensure “we have the best operators and folks who have experience running businesses.”

The state has determined those who get to go to the front of the line with social equity status will be limited to women, members of minority groups, veterans, distressed farmers and those charged with marijuana offenses.