New York pot shop-to-school distance mistake may force dozens to relocate

More than 100 New York marijuana shops are in limbo after officials admitted a big mistake

and business owners are wondering how this could have happened. This was a blunder that went through multiple checks and balances within the state

State officials say they improperly measured the distance between some shops and schools

Under state law, cannabis shops must be at least 500 feet from a school

But instead of measuring from the edge of the school's property, regulators were mistakenly measuring from the entrance in many cases

I'm reading this letter. It was very nondescript at first. And I'm like

oh, somebody's just spamming me or pranking me. And the further I read, I realized this was a

serious letter telling me that I would not be renewed for my license due to a proximity

protection error that the state made. That letter was sent out in July. In it

the acting executive director of the cannabis agency said, To give you this news and for the weight of it, I am incredibly sorry

Dozens of shops already open were given the wrong measurements as well as many pending businesses and those awaiting license approval

The state has created a fund for pot shop owners where they can be awarded up to for relocation costs but it doesn apply to a business already in operation The shops already open with improper boundaries can remain open until a legislative fix or final

decision is made, even those with expired permits, so long as they apply for renewals. Officials also

say businesses can obtain proof of a valid license or a letter of good standing by contacting the

cannabis office. Still, owners say that doesn't fix other issues. For people whose licenses actually

expire before they can come through with a legislative fix. Insurance companies cannot

actually insure you if you do not have an active license. For insurance and banking, there is no

limbo. Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing lawmakers to come up with a solution once they meet again

in January and pledge to owners everything will be okay. Shop owners are holding her and other

elected officials to that promise. Governor Hochul, the bowl is in your court. OCM

it's in your court as well. Mayor Adams, the three of you and your organizations

this is on you to fix and there are clear fixes. Do not wait until it's too late

For Shader News, I'm Lauren Keenan. If you want more on this story, download the Shader News app or visit san.com