New York's Delayed Cannabis Market Leaves Small Farms Struggling

New York awarded the first recreational cannabis licenses to small farms to help revitalize agriculture, but then failed to open dispensaries on time, leaving growers with tons of unsold product.

With few legal stores, many licensed farms have resorted to selling their weed illegally just to stay afloat financially.

The state opened the market to large corporations earlier than expected, reneging on promises to small farmers and threatening their ability to compete.

Struggling licensed farms have started working with illegal legacy growers to move product, blurring the lines between the legal and underground markets.

Farmers feel betrayed by false promises from the state and are uncertain if small independent operations can survive increased corporate competition.