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NY's SMOKEOUT Act: Hochul, Adams Target 3,000 Illegal Cannabis Shops

Apr 19, 2024, 03:06 PM

New York State has enacted legislation, known as the SMOKEOUT Act, aimed at combating the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis shops across New York City. The legislative package, secured in recent budget negotiations, provides local authorities, including the NYC Sheriff and other city agencies, enhanced powers to inspect and close down these illegal establishments. Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams have both expressed strong support for the measures, which are intended to strengthen the legal cannabis market and address public concerns. The new laws are a response to the estimated 2,500 to 3,000 unlicensed cannabis shops that have emerged, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. These shops have been both a boon to the retail sector in filling empty storefronts and a challenge to legal cannabis operations due to their sheer number and competitive presence. Councilmember Gale Brewer has been notably active in pushing for these changes.