The opening of a Binghamton marijuana shop that's encountered lengthy bureaucratic delays is coming soon.

Cotton Mouth Dispensary will operate inside a building that was constructed for use as an A&W fast-food restaurant. The eatery closed seven years ago and the place has been vacant since then.

Signs posted in front of the soon-to-open Cotton Mouth Dispensary on January 22, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Signs posted in front of the soon-to-open Cotton Mouth Dispensary on January 22, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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A brother and sister from Elmira have been working to secure a state license to run the new business, which will have a drive-up window.

After spending a lot of time to obtain approval from the Office of Cannabis Management, Daron and Regina Driscoll believed they were about to get the go-ahead just before Thanksgiving. But the license approval was delayed due to a court ruling in an unrelated cannabis licensing case.

FLASHBACK: A section of the future cannabis retail store as it was being renovated on January 23, 2024. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
FLASHBACK: A section of the future cannabis retail store as it was being renovated on January 23, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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After waiting several weeks, the Cotton Mouth license has finally been granted. Daron Driscoll said he was notified by email last Friday afternoon.

Driscoll now is working with store employees to set up the shop in the building that was renovated last year at state expense.

A view of the interior of the future marijuana store at 439 Court Street in Binghamton on April 5, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A view of the interior of the future marijuana store at 439 Court Street in Binghamton on April 5, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Driscoll told WNBF News Cotton Mouth now is expected to have a soft opening next week with a grand opening planned for February 3.

The pickup window at the store won't be available at first. That feature will be offered after the Cotton Mouth online ordering system is operational.

Driscoll said initially, all transactions will be conducted in the front retail area of the establishment.

Cotton Mouth Dispensary will have a drive-up window to allow customers to pick up their cannabis order. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Cotton Mouth Dispensary will have a drive-up window to allow customers to pick up their cannabis order. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: Email bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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