When it was first reported that a doctor bought marijuana.nyc domain name for more than $60,000, one news outlet wondered if he was high. Transfixed by Dr. Bruce Pinker, a podiatrist in White Plains, Crains followed-up to see why he did it. His answer: “It’s an investment.”
“When you look at how the state of Colorado is making $50 million in tax revenue from cannabis legalization, you’re also looking at a wide-open market for New York,” he said. “I’m not a proponent of people getting high, but this is like alcohol and Prohibition in the last century.”
But as a doctor, Pinker also sees the medicinal benefits of weed, including for seizures and “chronic pain management,” Crains notes. With more than 20 states having already legalized weed (including New York), and increased pressure from lobbyists, Pinker sees his purchase as an investment. “It’s an investment, definitely,” he said. “New York has an approved medical marijuana plan in effect, a stepping-stone toward recreational marijuana. Especially now that there are reports that say it’s safer than alcohol.”
His current plan is to flip the domain name for a profit. “I’m intrigued by the idea of partnerships,” he said, “but the domain is up for sale right now.” The media might poke fun at him, but if he comes anywhere close to the Ebola.com guy, who sold the domain name for $200K, then Pinker will definitely have the last laugh.
(Photo: Frank)
