Brooklyn Nonprofit Leader Faces Licensing Delays in New York's Cannabis Market
Shanduke McPhatter's Brooklyn dispensary remains closed due to licensing delays, highlighting challenges in New York's cannabis equity program
Key Points
- 1Shanduke McPhatter's dispensary remains unopened despite compliance
- 2McPhatter's nonprofit aims to support community reentry and violence reduction
- 3New York's cannabis licensing process faces criticism for delays
- 4Over 500 dispensaries have opened while some applicants wait
- 5McPhatter's case highlights the gap between policy and practice in equity goals
In a striking example of bureaucratic delays, Shanduke McPhatter, a Brooklyn nonprofit founder, remains unable to open his cannabis dispensary despite having followed all state regulations. His story highlights the struggles faced by many applicants in New York's Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program, which aims to prioritize social equity in the cannabis industry
McPhatter, who has a history of community leadership and entrepreneurship, founded G-MACC, a nonprofit focused on reducing gun violence and supporting reentry programs. His dispensary was envisioned as a means to generate sustainable revenue for his community work. However, despite being provisionally approved and meeting all compliance requirements, his application for final licensure remains unresolved, leaving him with significant financial burdens
The delay has not only impacted McPhatter financially but also raised questions about the state's commitment to its equity goals. "Who’s accountable?" McPhatter asked, expressing frustration at watching other dispensaries open while his remains in limbo. His situation underscores broader issues within New York's Office of Cannabis Management, which has faced criticism for its handling of the adult-use rollout
The challenges McPhatter faces are emblematic of wider systemic issues within New York's cannabis licensing process. The state has seen over 500 dispensaries open, yet many applicants like McPhatter remain caught in bureaucratic inertia. This has led to increased scrutiny of the Office of Cannabis Management, especially following the resignation of two top officials earlier this year
Despite these setbacks, McPhatter continues his community work, emphasizing that the dispensary was meant to enhance his efforts rather than replace them. His situation serves as a reminder of the gap between policy intentions and real-world outcomes, highlighting the need for more efficient regulatory processes to truly fulfill the promise of social equity in New York's cannabis market