New York City Mayor Eric Adams is on high alert, threatening a crackdown on the proliferation of illegal cannabis stores that have sprung up like weeds across the city and now threaten the profitability of state-licensed operators who have yet to operate.
During a press conference at City Hall on Thursday, Adams stated that the legal marijuana business is “under threat” from the thriving black market and “counterfeit” sales throughout the five boroughs.
Adams stated that unlicensed cannabis outlets pose a threat to an emerging economic opportunity for the community.
“Those who cross the border cannot harm the lawful market. Our goal is to get it correctly.”
The mayor, a veteran police captain, was outraged when he saw the packaging for cannabis goods offered by illegal vendors that appeal to children, such “Captain Crunch” and “Trix.”
The cannabis task force of the New York City Sheriff’s Office recently performed inspections at 53 suspected unlicensed cannabis businesses and issued 500 civil violations and 66 criminal court summonses.
At the same press conference, Sheriff Anthony Miranda stated that more over a million dollars’ worth of contraband was seized.
“There are many who believe that cannabis sales will soon resemble the Wild West.” We are stating plainly and loudly that this is not the case. Adams stated that actions would be taken to prevent unlicensed places and establishments from selling illegal cannabis goods.
“Our top priority. This industry could be jeopardized if we make a mistake, therefore we must do it right. Few localities have done it correctly.”
Sheriff Miranda stated, “Not only are these firms dodging taxes and placing legitimate businesses at a competitive disadvantage, but the products they offer have the potential to jeopardize the public’s health and safety.
“We are especially concerned about the manner in which these enterprises have targeted minors by selling directly promoted products to children. Cheetos Infused Snacks, Doritos Spicy Nacho’s Medicated, and Skittles, in addition to advertising gummies containing THC products, were among the many illicit cannabis items seized by the Sheriff’s Office that were marketed to younger consumers.
Critics, including state Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island), have asserted that the present state statute lacks the teeth required to root out illegal operations.
Adams, who was accompanied by Dasheeda Dawson, director of Cannabis NYC, an office of the city Department of Small Business Services, refrained from stating that he will seek extra fines, instead stating that officials are only reviewing potential measures.
Chris Alexander, executive director of the state Office of Cannabis Management, which supervises the nascent business, stated that the illegal market is “frustrating” New York’s efforts to establish a legal cannabis industry.
New York regulators recently issued the first 36 licenses to sell cannabis: 28 to shops and eight to nonprofit organizations. None have yet opened.
In the meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said on Thursday that each state-licensed cannabis retailer will have a particular verification symbol and each cannabis product will have a universal New York badge to confirm its legitimacy.
However, critics assert that the introduction of legal pre-roll merchants in New York is turning into a negative trip.
According to a recent study, there are potentially tens of thousands of illegal cannabis companies operating out of bodegas, smoke shops, and other storefronts in New York City, with some pop-up stores selling substandard or dangerously contaminated bud.
Even in peaceful Kew Gardens, the Post discovered three illicit cannabis stores.
A recent survey performed by the office of Upper West Side Councilwoman Gale Brewer indicated that 26 of the 61 surveyed bodegas, delis, and smoke shops sold illegal cannabis.
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