New York says it has plans to expand the state’s cannabis market and to crack down on illegal sales.
Governor Hochul has announced hundreds of licenses to grow, process, distribute, and sell cannabis are available and applications to obtain them are now open. The applications will remain open through December 4.
“We know there’s room for improvement as New York works to launch a brand-new cannabis industry and crack down on illicit operators, and I’m committed to working with all stakeholders to get the job done right,” Governor Hochul said. “My Administration is laser-focused on shutting down illegal storefronts, protecting the health and safety of children, and helping small businesses thrive. We will continue working to build the most equitable adult-use cannabis industry in the nation that invests in communities and rights the wrongs of the past.”
On the enforcement side, she touted 246 inspections by state agencies since June 7 that have seized over 8,500 pounds of illegal pot products with an estimated street value of more than $42 million.
A new partnership between the Office of Cannabis and the Attorney General’s Office also aims to help local municipalities receive training on how to pursue padlocking illegal pot shops in state court.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “Expanding the number of cannabis licenses while simultaneously taking action against unlicensed sellers is a common sense way to support small businesses and incentivize entrepreneurs to legally enter the marketplace. My office worked closely with the Office of Cannabis Management and Governor Hochul to shut down unlicensed dispensaries, and we will continue to coordinate with our partners in government to ensure New York’s cannabis laws are upheld. By holding unlicensed cannabis sellers accountable, my office is helping ensure New York can realize the intended purpose of MRTA, namely to remediate some of the societal harm caused by the so-called war on drugs.”
The state has been criticized for its slow rollout of licenses. While Buffalo, Ithaca, and Syracuse each have one state-licensed marijuana dispensary, Finger Lakes communities are still without one.
