Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams are cracking down on illicit pot shops across the state with a newly passed state law. They plan to use this law to shut down stores that sell cannabis without a license. Adams and other municipal leaders had requested new powers to allow local law enforcement to take action against these illegal shops. Among the measures included in the legislation are the ability for police to pursue civil orders to shutter a store, conduct inspections, penalize retailers for selling cannabis without a license, seal storefronts, fine landlords, and strip shops of other licenses if they are found to be illegally distributing cannabis.
Hochul emphasized that these measures will restore stability and order while punning that they will “weed out the illegitimate shops” so that legally licensed stores can thrive. New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda has been involved in conducting raids of illicit shops but was previously unable to shut them down due to state law restrictions. With the new bill set to be signed into law as part of the state budget, the ability to close these illegal stores will be imminent.
Miranda expressed that they will be operational immediately as soon as the new law is finalized. Adams made it clear that legalization is about following the law, not breaking it, and these measures will support the legal cannabis market. By imposing penalties on those who sell cannabis without a license and enabling law enforcement to shut down unlicensed shops, the state aims to create a fair and regulated market for cannabis.
The crackdown on illicit pot shops is seen as a step forward in ensuring that legal cannabis shops can operate without being overshadowed by illegal competition. Both Hochul and Adams are in agreement that enforcing the new regulations will promote a safe and regulated marketplace for cannabis. By stripping illegal shops of their licenses and taking swift action against violators, local officials aim to provide support for those who are operating legally and abiding by state regulations.
In addition to shutting down illicit pot shops, law enforcement will be able to impose fines on retailers and landlords who are found to be involved in illegal cannabis distribution. By giving local authorities the power to act against unlicensed stores, the state can weaken the presence of these operations and direct consumers towards legal and regulated sources of cannabis. The measures enacted by the state legislature are intended to provide a framework for legitimate cannabis businesses to thrive in a regulated environment while cracking down on those who operate outside the law.
By implementing strict penalties and enforcement actions against illegal pot shops, New York state and city officials hope to establish a regulated and fair market for cannabis. The newly passed legislation will enable law enforcement to take immediate action against unlicensed retailers and prevent them from reopening after a raid. This approach is intended to support legal cannabis businesses and discourage illegal operations, ultimately promoting a safe and legitimate marketplace for cannabis in the state.
