Want one of NY’s first marijuana retail licenses? Regulators say to start preparing now.

When it comes to opening a licensed recreational marijuana dispensary in New York, being first comes with definite perks.

Beyond the initial customer traffic and early hype, the first batch of licensed businesses will get help finding a retail space and be eligible for financial assistance from the state to lease it, build it out and even purchase software and furniture.

The New York Office of Cannabis Management spelled out these advantages Tuesday afternoon during an online informational session for potential applicants. The perks could be particularly valuable to cannabis entrepreneurs in New York City’s pricey real estate market.

But state officials reiterated that they will give dibs to people who have a past marijuana conviction or a relative with a past marijuana conviction, in addition to meeting other criteria. Advocates have praised this approach as innovative, but some said there are aspects of the proposed rules and regulations that may be too restrictive.

“That licensee licensed by the Cannabis Control Board will receive access to a turn key operation,” said Chris Alexander, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management

Those interested in applying for the first batch of Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary licenses must meet a set of strict requirements — and with applications coming out soon, Alexander advised people to start gathering the necessary documentation to prove their eligibility now. [Read more at Gothamist]