More legal cannabis dispensaries are opening up across New York, and the office in charge of them says its making progress shutting down illegal pot shops, too.
Following an overhaul of the Office of Cannabis Management earlier this year, the agency and local governments now have the power to shut down illegal shops and other businesses that support them.
Cicero stores shuttered and cannabis seized in state’s new enforcement effort
When a store is found to be operating illegally, police can put a padlock on the door. So far, 143 illegal shops have been shut down by the OCM.
Any illegal products are also taken by law enforcement while the business is shutdown. More than 3,200 pounds of illegal cannabis, worth about $30 million, has been seized.
New York overhauls legal cannabis agency to tackle illicit shops and licensing delays
OCM officials say closing these stores helps eliminate the black market and support businesses operating legally. There are currently 137 dispensaries open for business across New York, with hundreds of licenses pending approval.
A new report from the agency reveals in areas where illegal shops have been padlocked, sales at legal dispensaries increased 27 percent.
