Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine celebrates the first legal dispensary opening in his borough and discusses how Manhattan is leading the way in recreational marijuana.

He explained how equity is built into the program, with most of the licenses going to communities disproportionally targeted in the war on drugs.

So far, New York has approved a first round of 36 licenses for cannabis retail with dozens more expected. The state’s the first to offer initial dispensary licenses to those with weed convictions.

Levin explained how the cannabis tax revenue will be invested in communities across the state, including to support housing, addiction services, mental health services and other community-based programs.

He also discussed how the legalization of recreational marijuana can help the city recover from the pandemic.

Over the next five years, New York’s cannabis industry is expected to generate $4 billion. It’s now the second-most commonly used recreational drug in New York City, after alcohol.

Levine talked about how demand has been since opening day.