New York State Budget Introduces Stricter Measures Against Illegal Cannabis Shops

Governor Hochul and local authorities bolster enforcement to shut down unlicensed cannabis operations, aiming to stabilize the legal market.

Governor Kathy Hochul uses the state budget to impose tougher penalties on illegal cannabis shops, including the ability to padlock unlicensed businesses for a year.
The new measures allow local law enforcement and municipalities greater authority to close down illicit shops, enhancing efforts to enforce cannabis laws.
Landlords renting to unlicensed cannabis retailers face fines, and shops can lose liquor, tobacco, and lottery licenses if they sell cannabis unlawfully.
The budget also simplifies cannabis taxation by shifting to a flat tax rate, addressing issues with the previous potency-based system.
Officials emphasize the urgency of these enforcement measures to protect the legal cannabis market and prevent the proliferation of illegal operations.