Civic leaders in central Queens are pushing back against the proliferation of illegal cannabis shops in their neighborhoods. They are demanding that authorities shut down all illegal operations before allowing any new licensed cannabis shops to open. Community Board 9 chairwoman, Sherry Algredo, expressed concerns over the negative impact of these illegal establishments on the community and vowed not to support any new applications until the illegal shops are closed down.
Under the state law legalizing marijuana, applicants for cannabis licenses must seek approval from the community board of the area where they plan to open their shops. While the recommendations of the boards are advisory, they still hold influence over the approval process. Despite the tougher new state law making it easier to padlock unlicensed cannabis shops, enforcement has not yet taken place, leading to frustrations among civic leaders and residents.
City officials have visited numerous suspected illegal cannabis locations in response to community concerns. However, enforcement actions under the new law have not been carried out yet, leading to the swift reopening of many illicit pot shops after previous shutdown orders. Community Board 9 District Manager James McClelland stated that they would not consider any applications for legal cannabis shops until all unlicensed stores are shut down, highlighting the need for an effective crackdown on illegal operations.
City Sheriff Anthony Miranda reported that cannabis cops raided several unlicensed pot shops last week, with the promise of continued efforts to clean up illegal stores. With over 2,000 illicit weed and smoke shops estimated throughout the five boroughs, officials have acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. The reluctance of local community boards to approve new cannabis shop applications has also been fueled by concerns over quality-of-life issues and regulations on the proximity of these stores to sensitive locations.
Critics have raised various concerns about the impact of legal and illegal cannabis shops in their neighborhoods, ranging from unpleasant smells to fears of attracting children to the products. Community boards in areas like southern Brooklyn and The Bronx have opposed new cannabis applications due to violations of location-based rules, including proximity to schools and houses of worship. The state cannabis control board is scheduled to meet to discuss the enforcement of the new state law, which allows local authorities to padlock illegal stores pending final administrative appeals.
Overall, the opposition to new licensed cannabis shops in central Queens and other neighborhoods reflects a broader concern about the proliferation of illegal cannabis operations and the need for effective enforcement measures to address this issue. While the legalization of marijuana has sparked economic opportunities, it has also raised significant challenges related to regulating the industry and ensuring that cannabis establishments comply with stringent laws and regulations. The ongoing efforts to crackdown on illegal cannabis shops and establish a framework for legal operations are crucial steps towards ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in these communities.
