New Yorkers may soon be able to enjoy cannabis while watching movies, as the New York State Office of Cannabis Management has announced plans to allow movie theaters to apply for licenses to sell marijuana. This development comes after the state legalized recreational marijuana, changing the moviegoing experience significantly.
Last year, New York passed legislation permitting alcohol sales in theaters as part of its 2024 budget. Since then, many theaters have been applying for licenses to sell alcohol in hopes of boosting ticket sales and revenue. Now, with the potential for cannabis sales, moviegoers could soon find themselves enjoying both drinks and weed during their favorite films.
Taylor Randi Lee, the press secretary for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, noted that while current laws prohibit cannabis sales in theaters, there are plans to introduce an event permit or consumption lounge license, which would allow this change. Many movie enthusiasts are already enhancing their viewing experience with recreational marijuana, whether through vaping, smoking, or consuming edibles, and this new initiative could formalize that trend.
