**New York Marijuana Dispensaries Sue State Over School Proximity Rules**
A coalition of marijuana dispensaries in New York has filed a lawsuit against the state after cannabis regulators acknowledged a significant error in enforcing proximity regulations to schools. The dispensaries are seeking a ruling from a state Supreme Court judge in Albany to affirm the legality of their locations and to prevent any enforcement actions that could jeopardize their operations.
This legal action follows a recent announcement from the state’s legal marijuana office, which informed approximately 150 existing or proposed cannabis shops that they had been incorrectly interpreting a state law mandating that dispensaries maintain a distance of 500 feet from schools. Previously, the distance was measured from the school’s entrance to the dispensary’s door, but the state has clarified that the measurement should be taken from the school’s property line.
As a result of this misinterpretation, around 60 dispensaries were licensed and opened under the incorrect guidelines, with an additional 40 holding licenses but yet to commence operations. Nearly 50 other businesses are still in the application process, awaiting final approval from the state.
Currently, the open dispensaries have been permitted to continue operations, even with expired licenses, provided they have submitted renewal applications. To assist those affected, the state has established a fund offering up to $250,000 for relocation expenses. The cannabis office is advocating for state lawmakers to develop a permanent solution that would allow these businesses to remain in their current locations, although there is no guarantee of success. The state Legislature is not scheduled to reconvene until next year.
This situation highlights ongoing challenges within New York’s legal cannabis program, which has faced various management issues, legal disputes, and the proliferation of illegal shops. As of now, there are approximately 450 cannabis dispensaries operating across the state.
**FAQ**
**What is the lawsuit about?**
The lawsuit involves New York marijuana dispensaries challenging the state’s enforcement of proximity regulations to schools, seeking to affirm their legal status and prevent enforcement actions against them.