Governor Hochul Leads Effort to Shut Down Illicit Cannabis Storefronts
The TDR Three Key Takeaways regarding Governor Hochul and Illicit Cannabis Storefronts:
- Cannabis Enforcement Task Force has shut down 100 illicit cannabis storefronts, increasing legal cannabis sales by 27%.
- Governor Hochul emphasized their commitment to a strong, equitable cannabis market by expediting the closure of unlicensed storefronts.
- Mayor Eric Adams of New York City also praised the initiative’s impact on public safety and the legal market.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State announced today that the State Task Force has shut down over 100 illicit cannabis storefronts, increasing legal cannabis sales by 27% and seizing more than $29 million worth of illegal products. These enforcement actions are part of a strategy to support legal retailers and restrain unlicensed cannabis operations. Governor Hochul highlighted the state’s commitment to building a strong and equitable cannabis market, supported by new enforcement initiatives and legislation.
The crackdown by the New York State Task Force highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating the growing cannabis industry. The state has faced a surge in illegal storefronts, which undermine licensed businesses and pose risks to public safety. The enforcement actions are designed to protect the integrity of New York’s legal cannabis market, ensure product safety, and justify the principles of equity that the state’s cannabis laws were designed to promote.
Governor Hochul expressed her commitment to these goals, stating, “We are committed to building the strongest, most equitable cannabis market in the nation. In order to advance that goal, we promised to expedite the closure of unlicensed cannabis storefronts, and I’m here today to say: we’re getting it done.” Her announcement underscores the state’s dedication to stringent enforcement to ensure that only licensed retailers operate within New York.
The Office of Cannabis Management Acting Executive Director, Felicia A.B. Reid, emphasized the importance of this enforcement action. “The risks and dangers that unlicensed cannabis poses to our communities and licensed businesses are significant. They threaten to undo the incredible work New York has done to center equity, create jobs, and ensure the integrity of products as the cannabis market expands. It is thanks to the dedication of the Task Force members that New York is making progress in shutting down unlawful stores. The Governor’s energy and focus on getting this work done has been critical to its success, and I applaud all the hard-working folks on the enforcement team for their commitment to this effort.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in these operations. He said, “The New York State Cannabis Enforcement Task Force is a significant statewide effort, and we continue to work closely with the Office of Cannabis Management and our other state agency partners with the goal of shutting down sales of cannabis in illegal shops and disrupting their supply. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and for providing the resources needed to make this a successful effort.”
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City also praised the initiative’s impact on public safety and the legal market. “For too long, illegal cannabis shops have contributed to a feeling that anything goes on our streets, but not anymore. After working with Governor Hochul and our partners in Albany to give local municipalities the power we needed to weed out this illegal activity, we launched ‘Operation Padlock to Protect,’ which is already seeing significant results. In a matter of weeks, we have shut down nearly 400 smoke shops, seized $13.3 million in illegal products, and imposed more than $30 million in fines and penalties. Our work will protect children, keep our streets safe, and contribute to the thriving legal market that New York deserves.”
The success of these enforcement actions marks an important moment for New York’s cannabis market. By shutting down hundreds of illicit storefronts, the state is taking a firm stand against unlicensed operations that threaten the progress made in the legal cannabis industry. This move not only protects legal retailers but also ensures that consumers have access to safe and regulated cannabis products. Want to be updated on Cannabis, AI, Small Cap, and Crypto? Subscribe to our Daily Baked in Newsletter!
