More than 100 operators and supporters of New York City’s licensed cannabis industry are urging the state Legislature to approve stiff laws to make it easier for Mayor Eric Adams’ administration to shut down illegal pot peddlers. They argue that their livelihoods depend on these measures and sent a letter to the Governor and other legislative leaders requesting their support as they work on a new state budget. The operators are concerned about the impact of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries on their businesses, public health, and safety. They are calling for increased enforcement, penalties for illegal operators, and better coordination between state and local agencies.
Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed measures to give local governments more power to close illegal shops, and the lobbying effort is aimed at the legislature. However, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has suggested that pot enforcement should be dealt with separately from the state budget. The operators are requesting that local authorities be given the power to inspect and shut down illegal cannabis shops, enforce higher penalties to deter the black market, improve coordination between agencies, and support legal stores with public information campaigns to warn of health risks from buying pot from illegal operators. They also want to streamline the process for issuing licenses to legal dispensaries.
Despite assurances of equity, safety, quality, and fairness in the regulated market, cannabis operators are facing stiff competition from unlicensed operators who evade taxes and regulations, undercutting their businesses. They argue that this undermines the goals of legalization, including transitioning the illicit market to a well-regulated industry that ensures product safety and creates economic opportunities for all. They also highlight concerns about illicit shops targeting children with brightly colored packaging that resemble candy, contrasting with the more generic packaging used by licensed dispensaries.
A representative for Mayor Adams applauded the efforts of the legal cannabis industry to push for stricter enforcement against illegal dispensaries. The city’s administration is using all available tools to protect New Yorkers from illegal smokeshops that operate outside the law. However, the city currently lacks the authority to inspect and permanently shut down these illegal cannabis stores. With the support of licensed cannabis operators and community advocates, they are urging state partners to give them the authority to enforce against, inspect, and close illegal dispensaries more efficiently.
In conclusion, the cannabis operators in New York City are calling for urgent legislative action to address the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries that are impacting their businesses and undermining the state’s regulatory framework. They are advocating for increased enforcement, penalties for illegal operators, better coordination between agencies, and support for legal stores. The operators argue that these measures are necessary to protect public health and safety, ensure equity in the industry, and prevent the illicit market from undermining the goals of legalization. With the support of Mayor Adams and other advocates, they are hopeful that their efforts will lead to meaningful change in the regulation of the cannabis industry in New York City.
