New York Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams, announced the closure of over 1,000 illegal cannabis stores in New York since May, with 779 of them located in New York City. Governor Hochul unveiled new measures in April to combat illicit cannabis operations as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget, empowering the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local authorities to take action against illegal storefronts and their facilitators.
Governor Hochul initiated the Cannabis Enforcement Task Force on May 21, involving coordination among various agencies to confront the illegal cannabis market. The task force has been successful in shutting down 230 shops statewide and seizing 6,000 pounds of illicit products valued at $22 million in just over two months since its inception. The total seized since May 2023 has now exceeded 25,000 pounds of illicit cannabis valued at over $110 million.
By collaborating with landlords to evict illegal dispensaries and penalizing non-compliant landlords, the task force aims to crack down on illicit cannabis operators in New York. This rigorous enforcement has had a positive impact on the legal cannabis industry, evidenced by a 72% increase in sales in New York City in the 10 weeks following the enforcement actions.
The state, under the leadership of Governor Hochul, remains committed to maintaining a fair and regulated cannabis market, evident in the opening of 152 legal dispensaries across the state by the OCM. Additionally, 730 adult-use licenses have been issued this year alone, reflecting New York’s dedication to supporting legal cannabis businesses and ensuring a safe and equitable marketplace for all.