Cannabis in NYC

Launching a Cannabis Incubator to promote restorative justice to the communities hurt by cannabis-based arrests & policing

A Restorative Justice Program For Individuals & Communities Hurt by Cannabis-based Arrests

I am thrilled and supportive of the recent passage of legalization of recreational marijuana in New York. The next Mayor must pursue a plan with restorative justice at its core, that provides reparations to individuals, families and communities devastated by past criminalization. As Mayor, I will work with the startup community to launch a Cannabis Incubator to support new cannabis startups.

This restorative justice program will be open to people formerly incarcerated for non-violent cannabis-based crimes and their families, allowing them to be the first to start new cannabis businesses. The program will include:

  • Free education through college, including GED programs

  • Real UBI of $2,000 per month while in the program

  • Priority for cannabis permits and licenses

  • Workforce development and technical assistance from the city and local experts

  • Legal assistance

  • Shared use manufacturing facility 

  • Startup grant funding 

People of color comprise 94% of cannabis arrests, despite nearly equal use amongst white residents. Drug convictions bar people from access to income assistance, prevent them from being able to access welfare support and affordable places to live, support for educational and career advancement, and limits their job prospects. Because of this devastating impact, it is essential that the City government takes a restorative justice approach to the licensing of cannabis-based businesses. 


Watch my conversation with Some Neat Place & Cannabis Startup Founder Priscilla Agoncillo on how we can invest in restorative justice by investing in the Cannabis industry in NYC: