BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Cannabis dispensaries have been popping up throughout Western New York, but with recreation dispensaries leading the charge, medical dispensaries are taking a hit.
Only two medical dispensaries remain in our region, but not for long. The Botanist Buffalo over on Seneca Street announced on its website that it is closing its doors for good.
Employees said the sudden closure marks a grim future for the medicinal cannabis industry.
"We need to fight for this," said Carlotta Marrs. "It's people's lives we're talking about."
The Botanist is one of two shops in Erie County, the other is in Amherst. Employees said their patients now have to drive more than 30 minutes to get to the other location.
"It's just blatant patient abandonment," said Tomas Waz. "We're taking away their medical provider and their safe medicine with no alternatives whatsoever."
On Monday, a lawsuit was filed by the Cannabis Farmers Alliance against the Office of Cannabis Management, alleging the office has made a devastating impact since the rollout of recreational licenses and "created a wild west situation."
I reached out to the Office of Cannabis Management but didn't hear back.
