NY's bumpy marijuana market launch benefits big competitors over small businesses

New York launched legal recreational marijuana sales by promising first retail licenses to people with past drug convictions.

More than 9 months after sales started, only about 2 dozen state-licensed dispensaries have opened due to lawsuits over permitting process.

State is now expanding market by issuing over 1,000 new licenses and allowing medical marijuana providers to enter recreational market.

Critics say slow rollout failed to give justice-involved individuals a head start before bigger competitors entered.

Medical marijuana providers can start recreational sales soon but will be limited to 3 retail outlets initially.