**Why it matters:** State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal is urging the Office of Cannabis Management in New York to take action against unlicensed cannabis retailers. He argues that these stores are causing serious issues, such as deceiving consumers, posing health risks, avoiding taxes, and undermining the legal cannabis market. The proliferation of unlicensed stores is a concern for lawmakers and regulators as they aim to establish a well-regulated industry.
**What they are saying:** Hoylman-Sigal wrote a public letter calling for immediate action to shut down unlicensed cannabis stores. He highlighted the scale of the problem, with over 100 stores identified in Hell’s Kitchen alone, and provided a list of reported unlicensed stores. Governor Kathy Hochul also emphasized the need to address illegal dispensaries and announced that inspections have already led to the seizure of $11 million worth of illicit cannabis products.
**The big picture:** New York is taking steps to crack down on unlicensed cannabis retailers. The state has granted the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance authority to address this issue. With the introduction of stricter penalties and increased enforcement efforts, policymakers are aiming to discourage illegal activity and protect public health.
**What to watch:** It remains to be seen how effectively the Office of Cannabis Management and other regulatory bodies can shut down unlicensed cannabis stores in New York. As the state continues to roll out its legal cannabis market, it will be important to monitor the impact of these actions on the prevalence of unlicensed retailers and the overall success of the regulated industry.
**Your take:** Unlicensed cannabis retailers present numerous challenges, including illegal sales, safety concerns, and unfair competition with licensed businesses. It is crucial for regulators to take aggressive action to close these unlicensed stores and protect consumers and the integrity of the legal cannabis market. By enforcing penalties and conducting inspections, authorities can send a strong message that illegal activity will not be tolerated in the state of New York.
