As legalization spreads, entrepreneurs are opening unlicensed dispensaries in the Big Apple and other cities to establish a business before corporate cannabis descends.
In April 1998, Ralph Elfand and his son Jonathan were busted for operating a marijuana cultivation site inside a Brooklyn warehouse. Ralph, then 59, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cannabis while Jonathan, 30, was sentenced to 10 years.
Without the threat of cops busting down doors, the grey market has flourished. Some entrepreneurs, including the Elfands, have decided to go after what they see as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in New York: get a head start on what is projected to be a $4.2 billion market within five years before publicly-traded, are operating retail stores for recreational consumers.
A criminal defense attorney named Lonny Bramzon opened an unlicensed “cannabis gifting lounge” in lower Manhattan. While Weed World Candies—which was cofounded by a man who calls himself “Dr. Dro”—and is famous for its trucks that sell CBD lollipops, has a big store near Madison Square Garden offering the real stuff.
“These violators must stop their activity immediately, or face the consequences,” Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright said in a statement. “Most drug dealers are pretty good businesspeople,” Jimmy says. “We say to them, ‘Look, instead of you sitting on the corner and selling marijuana, work with our truck.’”
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Big Fists, Big Chins, and Big Pecs Are Big News in This Week's ToysThe latest toy news spins us 'round to Sonic the Hedgehog, whisks us to space with Lightyear, and brings us home to Eternia.
Read more »
Big brands and a big underdog in East at March MadnessPHILADELPHIA (AP) — These teams need no introduction. Built by coaching icons John Wooden and Dean Smith, UCLA and North Carolina are as much a part of college basketball as the hardwood itself. Combined, the programs have been to 39 Final Fours and won 17 national titles.
Read more »
NCAA Tournament In Philadelphia: Big Brands And A Big Underdog In East At March MadnessMarch Madness is back in Philly this weekend. Here's everything you need to know before fourth-seeded UCLA plays eighth-seeded North Carolina and No. 3 Purdue meets No. 15 Saint Peter’s.
Read more »
If the Digital Markets Act becomes law in the EU, Apple will have to prepare for some big changesBy October, if the Digital Markets Act is law in the EU by then, iPhone users in the region will be able to sideload apps on their iPhones.
Read more »
'Celebrity Big Brother' Cast on Whether They've Talked to Todrick HallTodrick Hall received backlash for the way he played the game during season 3 of 'Celebrity Big Brother' — exclusive interviews
Read more »
'Let's shake things up': Oscars producer spill secrets ahead of big show'We're bringing in the first live performance of 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' and we have some special surprises coming,' said Will Packer, the producer of this year's Oscars broadcast.
Read more »