ALBANY- The state is taking steps to crack down on the illegal cannabis market by closing unlicensed cannabis shops. Since cannabis was legalized, illicit pot shops have opened and continue to operate throughout the state. According to state officials, these unlicensed retailers often sell untested product which can be a danger to consumers.
“New York must take action to close illicit cannabis storefronts continuing to open and operate across the State,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Strengthening New York’s equitable cannabis industry and protecting the hard-working small business owners operating in the legal market are top priorities, and the best way to accomplish those goals is by expediting the shutdown of unlicensed shops.”
State officials plan to expand the powers of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to streamline padlocking of illicit shops and will authorize local governments to execute OCM padlock orders. Regulators also plan to establish local registries of licensed cannabis businesses to assist and empower local governments, including New York City, to padlock unlicensed businesses through their own laws and resources.
The state’s Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees, who legally are permitted to sell cannabis, say their businesses have been hurt by illicit retailers.
Latino Cannabis Association Vice President Sandra Jaquez, whose organization represents legal retailers, was pleased with the new enforcement initiative. “Our association supports Governor Hochul’s proposal to take decisive action against these illegal operations to protect consumers, support lawful businesses, and uphold the integrity of our burgeoning cannabis industry, and we urge lawmakers to support the plan as well.”
