An empty, desolate property located in the Hudson Valley could soon house a huge business that grows, processes, and stores marijuana. The Times Herald Record says that a public hearing is scheduled for January 18 to discuss plans on constructing a 380,000-square-foot building on the site that has been empty since 2016. Documents submitted predict this facility could bring nearly 700 jobs to the area.

The Times Herald says that the property is behind some businesses on North Main Street/Route 209, and straddles the borders of Ellenville and Wawarsing. A Chicago-based business called Cresco Labs is the developer. Their website says that they are on a mission to normalize, professionalize, and revolutionize cannabis. Cresco houses a number of brands, and makes and sells marijuana in ten states. One of the brands is Valley Agriceuticals, who Cresco bought in 2019. Valley Agriceuticals would be the name used for this proposed project, as they are licensed to make and sell cannabis products for medical users.

While the state still hasn't issued licenses to sell marijuana, this project would join several other cannabis facilities that are being built across the area. Medical marijuana looks to boom here in the near future.

After many years of hoping and waiting, New York state finally legalized recreational marijuana in early 2021. But as we approach the new year, many wonder about the retail sale of weed. Where are the dispensaries? From what we understand, there is still a lot of paperwork and loopholes to go through before we start seeing dispensaries open up across the state.

As of now, the only non-medical legal dispensaries in the state are on tribal territories, which are sovereign from the state government. The answer for the rest of the state may be a ways off, as some feel the process to open dispensaries could go well into 2023. New York's marijuana laws currently allow one to possess up to three ounces of cannabis.

Hudson Valley Towns Allowing the Sale of Marijuana

The following towns have voted to allow the sale of marijuana. This list is complete as of December 23, 2021. Municipalities have until 12/31 to finalize their decisions.

Legal Sales of Marijuana in New York Will Likely Take Years

Sorry to ruin your high. Despite lawmakers reaching a deal to legalize pot across New York lawmakers say it's gonna be a long time before sales start. Here's why. 

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