Cannabis plants grown at Flower City Hydroponics, the Tantalo's store in Perinton. Rochester, N.Y. — A local CAURD license applicant has finally received word of their approval after nearly two years of waiting.After nearly two years of waiting, Britini Tantalo said she had nearly lost hope.
In May, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an overhaul of the relatively new regulatory agency. An audit previously revealed inefficiency and short staffing at OCM, causing long delays in the application process for those seeking to open dispensaries. As part of the application process, applicants like the Tantalos were required to maintain leases for their storefronts while awaiting approval.
Faced with significant financial stress, the future of their business was in question. With the approval of their license, the couple can now begin working to open the dispensary.