Overview

• Since legalizing marijuana in 2021, New York has seen a surge in unlicensed cannabis dispensaries.
• Governor Kathy Hochul has asked online map and social media companies to hide listings for illegal cannabis stores.
• Yelp defends the right of consumers to read and write about all businesses, including unlicensed ones.
• Fewer than 80 licensed cannabis stores have opened in New York due to strict eligibility requirements and lawsuits.
• New legislation is sought to increase enforcement authority, fines, and allow for quicker shutdowns of illegal stores.