New York Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has announced that state and city task forces have shut down more than 1,000 illegal cannabis operators since the governor expanded the state’s enforcement capabilities. This significant action follows an audit ordered by Hochul in March, aimed at addressing delays and issues in the state’s cannabis licensing process.
The audit revealed extensive problems with the initial roll-out of the cannabis industry, prompting Hochul to sign legislation that granted new enforcement powers to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local municipalities. These powers were intended to target and close down unlicensed cannabis operations, which had proliferated due to licensing delays and legal challenges.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of these enforcement actions, stating, “Earlier this year, I enacted new enforcement powers to quickly and permanently close the thousands of illegal cannabis retailers across New York selling potentially dangerous products — many of which are marketed to children and teens — and siphoning sales from hard-working, licensed store owners. I am pleased to join Mayor Adams and other officials to celebrate a milestone and recognize the enforcement teams who shut down more than 1,000 unlicensed stores statewide, bringing us closer to our goal of building the strongest, most equitable cannabis industry in the nation.”
Despite the challenges faced by the industry, the OCM has successfully opened 152 legal cannabis dispensaries and awarded 730 additional adult-use licenses this year. In New York City, legal cannabis sales have surged by 72% in the ten weeks since the enforcement actions began.
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