There are 1400 illegal marijuana shops in New York, and the police can't do anything

New York has 1400 illegal cannabis stores. Alarmed lawmakers called the situation “the wild, wild West” during a City Council hearing on January 18. New York Post.

City Sheriff Anthony Miranda and NYPD officials said existing laws make it difficult to close illegal stores immediately. Often, they can only issue meager $250 fines for selling marijuana without a license. This is hardly a deterrent, even after the seizure of the illegal herb and tincture.

Miranda said that illegal smoking outlets "thrive all over the city." 1 stores are targeted. The authorities are checking them for suspicions of illegal activities.

There is currently only one legal marijuana store open in New York City, with a second one due to open next week. All these legal and illegal sales have led to a strong smell on the streets of the city.

On the subject: First recreational marijuana store opens in New York

Last year, Mayor Eric Adams created a cannabis task force to fight the illegal marijuana market. And it brought together many agencies with the power to enforce the law, including the Sheriff's Office, the NYPD, and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Even more alarming than the spread itself is the fact that council members are telling horror stories one after another. For example, about the ease with which teenagers in high school can get access to cannabis on the black market.

Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, who represents the Lower East Side, said high school students are using credit cards to buy cannabis.

“There is a lot of work ahead of us,” said council member Gail Brewer, who chairs the oversight and investigation committee.

“There are many health problems, a danger to society. We want to make sure they meet the requirements,” Miranda said during a hearing held jointly by the Council's Committees on Oversight and Investigation, Consumer Affairs and Health.

The NYPD's 311 data system received 951 complaints about illegal cannabis stores, according to Patrol Chief John Chell.

Illegal stores that store large amounts of cash have become a prey for scammers.

The number of robberies in stores selling smoking mixtures has more than doubled. A total of $1,5 million was stolen (an average of $2 with 500 reported robberies).

Nearly a third of smoking shop robberies were committed by teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19.

In one night, they attack several smoking shops in different areas. On January 17, three stores were robbed.

“The same group of people. This is a challenge for us,” Chell said.

State Senator Liz Krueger, author of the law that legalized the recreational use of cannabis, called the number of illegal stores "wild, wild west."

“They violate a number of our laws. It hurts the whole model that we've tried so hard to build across the state,” Krueger explained.

She is in talks with Gov. Kathy Hokul's office to develop a new state law to strengthen enforcement to make it easier for authorities to financially penalize and close illegal stores.

The new legislation will increase fines and tax violations, make it easier to seize illegal cannabis, and penalize landlords for allowing illegal shops to operate on their property.

Sheriff Miranda said notices are being sent out to landlords about tenants who sell cannabis illegally

“If you own one of these illegal stores, you won't get a license. And point. Because you know you're breaking the law, and that's not normal," said Senator Krueger.

Hokul spokeswoman Hazel Crampton-Hayes said: “We continue to work with our partners to comply with the law. We are exploring all possible mechanisms to protect New Yorkers and stop illegal sales activities.”

Cannabis customers at the only legal Housing Works store in Greenwich Village have supported the fight against illegal stores.

“I've been to other stores - you know, fake ones. The ones that advertise CBD but sell tinctures and regular herbs. But you don't know what you get in these places. In dispensaries, you know what's in it,” said Jason Brown, a 47-year-old construction worker from Babylon, Long Island.

“It's regulated and more secure. You get full information about what is in it.”

Hannah, a 21-year-old Crown Heights resident, said illegal shopping in Brooklyn is “very good.”
“They don't check your documents. And there is no security like here,” she said of the state-licensed Housing Works dispensary.

“It's very amazing! To be honest, I feel like I don’t smoke cannabis when I go there.”

She said she expects better quality herbs from licensed stores and added, "If illegal places don't sell products that get you to the hospital, then go there."

Surrounding unlicensed weed shops don't seem to be bothered by the presence of a state licensed dispensary nearby.

A Lush Smoke Shop employee said people prefer their cannabis products because they are stronger than those from Housing Works.

The store sells black market favorites such as Punch Bars and Prerolls.

One customer remarked, “I prefer their pre-rolls because they taste better. They lift the spirits."