NYC Closes Over 1000 Illegal Cannabis Shops Amid Crackdown

Since April, New York City has shut down 779 illegal marijuana shops as part of a crackdown initiated by state legislation. This effort follows the passing of new laws aimed at addressing unsanctioned shops, which the city previously had limited power to regulate due to the legal market's red tape.

Officials report issuing over 41,000 violations, resulting in $65,671,487 in penalties. The city has seized illegal products valued at $41,443,792. Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams celebrated the crackdown's success on Wednesday.

"In the three months since launching 'Operation Padlock to Protect,' our administration has delivered major results on a major quality of life and public safety issue," Adams stated. "For too long, illegal shops have contributed to a feeling that anything goes on our streets, while targeting our most vulnerable - including children - with dangerous, counterfeit products marketed as candy."

Officials showcased the seized illegal marijuana products now filling an NYPD property clerk warehouse in the Bronx. Bags and bins of items have been confiscated from storefronts and distributors raided since May, when new state laws permitted increased local enforcement and penalties. Particularly concerning are the candy-like packaging of unregulated items.

"This is intentionally designed to draw the eye and the interest of our children, creating lifelong addictions to products that they never should have had at such a young age, when it has an effect on them," Hochul remarked.

Councilmember Gale Brewer highlighted the effectiveness of the summer crackdown, noting that many shops ordered to close are staying closed due to the threat of $50,000 fines for landlords, leading to evictions. "Since the state law passed, no new shops have opened," Brewer said. "To the best of my knowledge, that's good news."

The mayor emphasized that the law must continue to evolve as criminals become more creative. The Sheriff's office, leading the inspections, confiscations, and padlock operations, now includes nearly 200 NYPD officers on its task force. The NYPD ensures that closed shops remain shut and only sell legal items if they reopen after paying fines.

Sheriff Anthony Miranda acknowledged the critical role of community reports. "It's the community's voice that we hear first, when you live in a community, you know when a shop is opening up and you also know when they're selling illegal products and they're targeting our children," Miranda said.

At least 100 shops have successfully defended themselves against the crackdown and fines, often citing faulty paperwork or lack of evidence. Some of these businesses eventually closed. Meanwhile, about 60 licensed weed shops operate across the city, with many affected by competition from illegal shops.