What to expect when New York’s first recreational cannabis dispensary opens in Manhattan on Thursday

New York — Adults will soon be legally available for purchase recreational marijuana in New York.State’s first cannabis dispensary opens Thursday afternoon in Manhattan.

CBS2 has spoken with the nonprofit to make its first sale.

Wednesday hit lows before highs at the Housing Works Cannabis Company in the East Village. Beginning at 4:20 p.m. Thursday, adults 21 and older will be able to legally purchase recreational marijuana.

“It’s a complete assortment of different price points, from prepackaged to prepackaged food,” said Charles King, CEO of Housing Works. But then we’ll be able to serve people pretty quickly.”

Watch King’s full interview

King joined CBS News New York ahead of the grand openingHousing Works is known for serving homeless New Yorkers and people living with HIV and AIDS. He said the nonprofit has been working for the past three years to obtain a license to sell recreational pots.

“We serve the overwhelming population criminalized by the war on drugs, and we believe that not only cannabis can be sold, but cannabis can be used as an opportunity to recruit and employ people who have been similarly involved. It felt appropriate, due to the use and possession of cannabis,” King said.

“Everything is grown in New York and produced in New York,” said Elizabeth Cork, Creative Director of Housing Works.

read more: Retailers across New York will soon be allowed to deliver marijuana

So far, the New York State Cannabis Control Board has approved 36 adult retail licenses. Housingworks is an exciting prospect for many in the region and will be the first company to open its doors.

“I suffer from chronic pain, and I know food can theoretically help with chronic pain, so if it’s something that will help me, I’m willing to try it.

“I think New York has needed it for a long time, and we’re just catching up,” said another.

“I’m here for that. I’m surprised it’s the first,” said another.

View Andrea Grymes’ report

“It’s been part of our city’s culture for a long time, and now we use it responsibly and can’t keep it a secret,” Coke said.

The state says the new year will bring several new clinics.

“A couple of other licensees will be opening clinics in January for nonprofits, individual licensees, and eligible businesses,” said Trivette Knowles, spokeswoman for the New York State Cannabis Administration. I can tell you that I’m working on it and I can check it.

If you’ve already seen a tobacconist advertising weed, don’t be confused.

“A lot of the time what we’re seeing is an influx of out-of-state people and people trying to expose public turmoil and open these storefronts. They’re really a matter of short-term profit. “It could impede future licensing,” Knowles said.

read more: Mayor Eric Adams may face uphill battle in crackdown on unlicensed stores selling marijuana

Critics, meanwhile, worry that legalizing pot will lead to more crime, more traffic accidents, and a lower quality of life. It claims to help control

“Currently, cannabis sellers do not pay taxes. They will pay taxes to the city, state and federal governments. It’s a way for us to improve the overall system,” said King. He said.

Proceeds go directly to non-profit organizations. click here For more information on housing construction.

So what happens next in this up-and-coming industry? cannabis delivery approvedso the state plans to start issuing weed delivery licenses next month.