NY Tackles 3K Illegal Cannabis Shops in $237 Billion Budget Crackdown

Apr 21, 2024, 07:00 AM

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams have announced new legislation aimed at shutting down illegal cannabis shops across the city. The policy, part of the state's recently approved $237 billion budget, grants local authorities like the NYC Sheriff increased power to close these unlicensed establishments. This move is intended to bolster the legal cannabis market by eliminating competition from unauthorized vendors, which have surged to over 3K post-COVID. Councilmember Gale Brewer has been notably active in advocating for these changes. The enforcement of this policy is seen as a crucial element in supporting the state's legal cannabis industry.