NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – More than 100 illegal weed storefronts across New York were shut down within weeks by the Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday.
The crackdown on illegal weed storefronts led to a 27 percent increase in legal weed sales in areas where the task force took action to shut down unlicensed operations.
“We’re going after the bad actors,” Hochul said during a press conference on Tuesday. “At my direction, the State Police has launched a Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, giving OCM the resources it needs. And we've been striving to reach our goal of shutting down the majority of these illegal stores in 90 days… over 187 inspections, seizing 3,200 pounds of cannabis products worth nearly $30 million.”
In May, Hochul launched the Cannabis Enforcement Task Force bringing together staff from various agencies to fight illegal weed activities across the state. They work with landlords to evict illegal dispensaries and penalize those who don’t act against tenants running illegal operations.
Since the task force began, 114 illegal weed stores have been closed, according to Hochul. They also seized over $29 million worth of illegal products.
“For too long, illegal cannabis shops have contributed to a feeling that anything goes on our streets, but not anymore,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “After working with Governor Hochul and our partners in Albany to give local municipalities the power we needed to weed out this illegal activity, we launched 'Operation Padlock to Protect,' which is already seeing stunning results.”
This crackdown aims to protect children, ensure street safety, and support New York's legal weed market.