Kate Lisa is reporting for State of Politics a Schenectady cannabis shop is prepared to become the first legal cannabis store in upstate New York. Don Andrews' Upstate CBD store opened on Union Street in 2019, and is now in the process of becoming Upstate Canna Co. in the coming weeks to include recreational cannabis customers. "I love cannabis because it helped me in many different ways, and I know a lot of people who it's helped drastically," Andrews said. Recreational cannabis became legal in New York for people aged 21 and older under the Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act in March 2021. Andrews, 34, a Schenectady native, will sell cannabis flower, edibles, and other products. The state Office of Cannabis Management prioritized its Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary licenses for people with prior cannabis-related offenses, and experience owning and operating a business in the state. Andrews had several prior cannabis convictions in his teens and 20s and received his conditional license in November. He owns two other stores in Schenectady County, including VapedCity Smokeshop in Scotia and a CBD location in Glenville. Three dispensaries are on track to open in the coming months in the Capital Region, including two others in Albany. Andrews' store will offer delivery, as well as in-person shopping or pick-up when it starts recreational cannabis sales. The state's first legal recreational cannabis sales started in New York City just before the new year. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.