The New York State Cannabis Management board will vote Thursday on a plan to give marijuana retail licenses to those who've had a previous marijuana conviction, or a family member convicted of a marijuana-related offense.

According to an Office of Cannabis Management spokesperson, the first 100 to 200 spots are slated to be set aside for that group.

Social justice advocate Jawanza Williams, of Vocal-NY, says this is a step in the right direction.

"I think that for people who were formerly incarcerated, people that have marijuana convictions, that this is really good news for them because it gives them an opportunity to benefit economically and socially from something that has harmed them for so long to," Williams says.

This new plan continues to build on bringing revenue to communities that have been hit hard by the war on drugs for decades.

Assemblymember Kenny Burgos was a strong supporter of legislation that would legalize marijuana and bring revenue to communities that need it the most.

"Another goal of this policy is to not only give first priority to equity candidates, but to make sure we don’t have mega corporations and deep-pocketed individuals come in and really control the market. The idea is to have these people who are justice involved, to have first priority, not only to get a license, but first priority to enter and establish themselves in the market," Burgos says.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing $200 million in the budget to support the state's legal marijuana businesses. News 12 was told part of these funds will go towards helping business owners find vacant store fronts and set up shop.

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