Hochul Announces Plan to Crack Down on Illicit Cannabis Businesses

Citing unlicensed cannabis businesses that have "stymied" the growth of New York State's legal cannabis market, Governor Kathy Hochul is calling for stronger measures that aim to shut down the illegal cannabis market in the state. On Wednesday, Hochul outlined a plan that would broaden the authority of the State's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local government agencies to padlock stores that sell cannabis without a license. She believes her proposal will strengthen enforcement authority, expedite the closure of unlicensed shops, and deter illicit activity...

Kathy Hochul: giving localities the power to shut down stores

Her plan would expand the powers of OCM to streamline padlocking of illicit shops, authorize local government to execute OCM padlock orders to ensure swift action to close unlicensed dispensaries, and establish local registries of licensed cannabis businesses to assist and empower local governments to padlock unlicensed businesses through their own laws and resources.

In addition, the Governor is calling on tech companies to prohibit the promotion of unlicensed storefronts selling potentially dangerous products on their platforms.

Photo by Governor Kathy Hochul's Office