The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), along with local and state law enforcement were in Auburn Tuesday afternoon to close another illicit cannabis shop in the city.
The locks were placed at Blue Smoke and More LLC at 30 East Genesee St for selling illicit cannabis and marketing marijuana products to children, according to the OCM. Examples of products marketed to children taken from the store include a bong with images of Whinney the Poo on it, a package featuring a dragon, and another package bearing the pictures of the titular cartoon characters from the show Rick & Morty.
OCM Director of Enforcement Daniel Haughney added that packages ostensibly show that cannabis products came from California; however, he was quick to point out that that is often not true.
“This is a great indicator to show the public that when you purchase from these illegal shops you don’t know what you’re buying,” said Haughney. “These things are typically filled in a backroom.”
Tuesday’s actions highlight the cooperation between local and state forces necessary for illegal cannabis stores to be shuttered.
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino said Blue Smoke came on the city’s radar several months ago when a mother complained to him about her child buying marijuana from the store. The mayor got in touch with the Auburn Police Department which coordinated with other law enforcement agencies.
“I just want the public to know that we took their complaints seriously as you can see here today by the show of support we’ve had by our partner agencies,” said Auburn Police Chief James Slayton.
Once the complaints were brought to the OCM, officers were able to inspect the shop for illicit products and lock the doors of the building, closing it for business.
According to Haughney, the padlocking is only the first step. The landlords for the property will receive certified letters from the office, explaining what they need to do to begin the eviction process. The shop owners also face significant financial penalties as the Department of Taxation and Finance will assess the seized product for tax penalties while the OCM can impose its own penalties.
Officials have declared they will not rest on their laurels following Blue Smoke and More LLC’s closure and will continue enforcement actions in the city and beyond.
“I would urge anyone that’s thinking of opening a shop or wants to continue doing this illegal activity to think twice because we’re not done today,” said Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.
It’s also hoped that by shutting down these illegal facilities, nearby legitimate business owners will feel safer and not need to move to another location.
Four other shops were also shut down on Tuesday: Auburn Smoke & Vape at 1626 Clark St Rd, O Exotics & Snacks at 62 Owasco St, Lucky 7 Deli Mart Inc at 213 State St, and Auburn Smoke Shop Convenience at 4 E Genesee St.
In June 2023, I’m Stuck, which was located down the street from Blue Smoke at 9 East Genesee St, and the Weed Warehouse on Cranbrook Drive in Aurelius were both raided by law enforcement and ordered to cease sales. Those stores were owned by David Tulley of Lyons who owned four other stores in Wayne County.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here.
