New York Disabled Veterans Decry Lack of Cannabis Business Licenses on Eve of Veteran’s Day
As Veteran’s Day approaches, disabled veterans in New York are expressing frustration and disappointment with the state’s cannabis licensing program. Despite being recognized as a “preferred group” within the state’s cannabis equity framework, disabled veterans have received only 3.5% of all cannabis business licenses issued so far, and just 7% of the “social equity” licenses intended for disadvantaged groups. This disparity has sparked criticism and concerns among veterans and advocates who argue that the state’s cannabis licensing approach has fallen short of delivering on its promise of equitable access.
Limited Representation for Veterans in Cannabis Licensing
New York’s cannabis equity program was designed to prioritize communities and groups disproportionately impacted by past drug policies and economic hardship. To date, 53% of the state’s cannabis licenses have been allocated to applicants within the social and economic equity categories, which include women-owned businesses, racial and ethnic minorities, distressed farmers, and disabled veterans.
However, among these licenses, 43% have gone to women-owned businesses, 38% to racial and ethnic minority owners, and only 7% each to disabled veterans and distressed farmers. An additional 5% went to applicants from communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. Veterans, who had hoped for greater access to these licenses, are voicing concerns that the distribution does not align with the state’s commitment to supporting their entry into the cannabis industry.
Veterans in Cannabis: Calls for Greater Opportunities
The cannabis licenses issued by New York cover a range of business types across the supply chain, from cultivation and micro-processing to distribution and retail dispensaries. But for many disabled veterans, the limited access to licenses is seen as inadequate, given their unique challenges and the sacrifices they have made in service to the country. Many disabled veterans, who have already obtained business certification from the state Office of General Services, feel they are being overlooked for licenses they were led to believe would be accessible to them.
Leaders within the veterans’ cannabis advocacy community argue that the small number of licenses awarded to veterans does not reflect the intent of the equity program. Veterans like Osbert Orduna, CEO of The Cannabis Place in Queens and a leader in the Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis Association, express disappointment with the current state of the program, emphasizing that veterans want opportunities to succeed in the cannabis industry, not a “handout.”
Legal Battles and Policy Concerns
The treatment of disabled veterans within the state’s cannabis licensing process has been a contentious issue, highlighted by a lawsuit filed against the state’s Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Cannabis Management last year. The lawsuit argued that the state’s regulators were unlawfully favoring convicted drug offenders over disabled veterans in the licensing process. A judge ruled in favor of the veterans, noting that the state’s preference for applicants with past drug convictions potentially violated legal standards for fair access to business opportunities.
In response to the lawsuit, New York officials reached a settlement, agreeing to adjust their licensing policies to more equitably include disabled veterans. Despite this legal victory, veterans continue to feel sidelined as the latest license distribution data shows only marginal improvement in representation for disabled veterans.
Cannabis Equity and the Future of Veteran Participation
Advocates for veteran participation in New York’s cannabis industry argue that the state’s current approach does not fully honor its commitment to equity. They contend that the state must implement measures to ensure that veterans have equitable access to the economic opportunities in this rapidly growing sector. This conversation is especially relevant during Veteran’s Day, a time when the country honors its military heroes and their contributions to society.
The state’s Cannabis Control Board and Office of Cannabis Management have yet to comment on the concerns raised by veterans. However, in previous public meetings, regulators expressed general satisfaction with the overall progress of the social equity program, pointing to the large percentage of licenses awarded to social and economic equity applicants. Veterans’ advocates, however, argue that these numbers do not tell the whole story, as the distribution within the social equity category remains imbalanced.
Equity Adjustments and Veterans’ Advocacy
As New York’s cannabis market continues to evolve, there is growing pressure on the state to reevaluate its equity strategy and ensure that disabled veterans receive fair consideration. The Service Disabled Veterans in Cannabis Association and other veteran advocacy groups are pushing for reforms that would improve access to licenses and business opportunities within the industry.
With the next phases of licensing still in development, there is hope among advocates that future rounds will reflect a stronger commitment to veteran inclusion. Disabled veterans in New York want to contribute to the state’s cannabis industry and gain an opportunity to lead in the business they believe they have earned through their service and sacrifices.
Equity in Action
New York’s ambitious cannabis equity program has made strides in distributing licenses to diverse groups, but concerns remain about how effectively the program is serving disabled veterans. As the state prepares to honor veterans this November, there is renewed attention on ensuring that these service members are given the opportunities they were promised within the cannabis industry. For New York’s veterans, a truly equitable program means recognizing their unique sacrifices and providing them with meaningful access to this emerging sector.
