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DLNews Staff:

The line stretches around the block. Passersby take photos and then ask what's going on. Is Taylor Swift around? No, the opening of the first legal cannabis store is imminent! Three hours before, the first customers are already lining up. And like at a rock concert, many are enjoying their joint. The mood on Broadway is good.

Marijuana is not new in New York. You can smell it in the subway, bars, and almost every street corner. But until now, you had to have "good acquaintances" to buy it. Cannabis was illegal - until today! Housing Works Cannabis Company Manhattan is the first business allowed to sell cannabis with a New York State license.

Angel Dust (42) smokes a joint while waiting in line.

Housing Works was founded years ago to help people with HIV/AIDS and the homeless by selling donated furniture, artwork and clothing. "We plan to use the proceeds to help victims of the drug war that the state has been fighting for years," Charles King tells, he is the organization's CEO, explains, "We help people in prison find jobs. In some cases, we help them open their own cannabis businesses." The concept is promising! "On the website, we have over 2,000 people signed up to open." However, prospective customers under 21 are not allowed to enter the store.

Vice manager Britt Battner

Coss Marte (26) is a weed expert. He's been selling hemp since he was 11, and he's been through a lot. "I was arrested nine times and spent six years in jail for drug trafficking. But now I don't sell it illegally. Instead, I applied for a license and plan to open my own business soon."

"We are trying to ease the transition to legal cannabis use through licenses," says Dasheeda Dawson, who heads New York's Cannabis Affairs office.

So far, more than 900 applications have been received, and just over 30 licenses have been issued. "In a year, circa 500 stores will be able to legally sell cannabis," Dasheeda says proudly.

The Housing Works cannabis store is just two blocks from the famous New York University. Whether this will have an impact on graduation rates? Only time will tell! Right now, the company is working on a convenient service. "In the future, we will also offer a delivery service," says CEO King.

He has a clear idea: "Then our customers will be able to select and order the cannabis on our website. Then, trained messengers will check the customer's age and deliver."

The selection of cannabis products is still small but is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

While the shelves are only half-filled so far, the company plans to offer soon 75 and 100 products sourced from six different farmers in New York State. The assortment is expected to range from gummy bears to oils to the "classic" joint. As early as the end of February, the number of local growers will likely increase to 30 farms.

After hours of waiting, the store opens. Daron Hudson was the first customer, spending $50 for seven pre-rolled joints. He's happy: "It's the same price as on the street. I've had a couple of surgeries, and the joints help take the pain away."