New York City Officials Pledge Crackdown on Illicit Pot Shops

New York City officials this week announced new steps to deal with the city’s growing number of unlicensed cannabis retailers in an effort to strengthen the rollout of a regulated market for recreational marijuana. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said they would also target retail landowners who sell weed without a permit from the state.

The New York City mayor and chief prosecutor said the district attorney’s office had filed complaints against four unlicensed stores selling cannabis in Manhattan. NYPD officers witnessed stores selling cannabis to minors, according to the complaint, alleging the city is working to close stores that sell cannabis illegally and operate without a license. I’m here.

“The legalization of cannabis has been a huge step forward for fairness and justice, but we are not going to take two steps back by allowing illegal smoking establishments to take over this emerging market.” Adams said In a statement from the mayor’s office. “Today, we are proud to announce that we are taking direct action against four unauthorized smoke shops in the 9th Precinct. This will hold these illegal businesses accountable. We are committed to protecting the health and well-being of New Yorkers and ensuring that this emerging industry provides fairness to those who deserve it most. is.”

Last month, city leaders pledged to take action against the large number of illegal marijuana retailers that have set up shop in New York City since the state legalized adult-use marijuana last year. In May, New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a pilot interagency task force to address the rise of unlicensed retailers. A task force including the Sheriff’s Office, the NYPD, the Consumer and Worker Protection Agency, and the Cannabis Control Agency has identified at least 1,200 unlicensed marijuana shops in the city. It was revealed that there are 11 unlicensed stores selling cannabis within a 10-block radius of the retailer that was identified.

Warning sent to 400 smokeshops

In addition to the four complaints against unlicensed shops, Adams and Bragg said the district attorney’s office has sent letters to more than 400 smoke shops in Manhattan, suggesting the city may initiate eviction proceedings for illegal cannabis sales. I warned you that there will be letter The City has specifically notified commercial entities that it is prepared to exercise its powers under the New York Real Estate Act, stating, “Owners and landlords are required to take steps to evict commercial tenants engaged in illegal trade or business.” I request that the prosecutor take over the eviction proceedings if necessary.”

“For almost two years now, we have seen a proliferation of stores selling unlicensed, unregulated, untaxed cannabis products across Manhattan. ‘ said Bragg. “Just as we do not allow unlicensed bars and liquor stores to operate on every corner, we cannot allow cannabis to do so. Properly tested and regulated for dosage, purity and contaminants. It’s not safe to sell a product that isn’t certified, and it certainly isn’t fair to competing companies.”

Marc Sims, CEO of cannabis investment firm RIV Capital, said in an email that the surge in unlicensed businesses has led to newly licensed adult-use retailers and medical marijuana distributors in New York. It said it would hit both existing medical marijuana companies, including its chain Etain Health.

“While I commend Mayor Adams for his actions in combating the illegal market, it is a positive step. The illegal smokeshop problem cannot be viewed or resolved in isolation,” Sims wrote in an email. “More than 1,200 illegal stores (twice the number of Starbucks in New York) are suspected of trading illegal cannabis products that have been shown to be unsafe for human health, making them more ubiquitous. We need to take a holistic approach and successfully combat the constant flow of illegal marketed products.”