On Sunday morning, the owners of Bodegas gathered in the Bronx to defend their right to sell marijuana when it is legalized.
Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo said that he remains confident that members of the City Council will support a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in the budget to be adopted April 1.
After the legalization of marijuana, sharply raises the question — who will be allowed to sell it. The owners of Bodegas and decided to Express their desire to the city authorities.
«Now we can sell cigarettes and beer. There is no reason why we cannot be included in the number of places where it is permitted, the distribution and sale of marijuana,» said Fernando MATEO of the United Bodegas of America at a press conference.
Bodega owners call on NYS to let them sell recreational pot if legalized. They say minority community should share in profits given disproportional history of marijuana arrests. #1010WINS pic.twitter.com/E5UoeJB3I2
— Roger Stern (@NYRogerStern) February 17, 2019
Only in new York, there are about 15 thousand Bodegas. Every year the cost of rent and other costs continue to rise, and it increasingly difficult to keep their shops afloat, and the profit from the sale of marijuana could greatly help in the development of their business.
The owners of Bodegas hope that they will be able soon to discuss their proposal with the Governor or his representatives.
«We follow the rules, regulations and will ensure that nothing is broken. But let us be part of a new industry that comes to town,» said MATEO.
When asked why new Yorkers should trust bodegom, given that some of them are illegally sold K2 or offer cigarettes without a license, MATEO replied that it was all the special cases and all owners of the Bodegas who break the law should be punished.
«There will always be someone who is spoiled. We all know that, he added, — We need to weed out these people.»
