Governor Kathy Hochul joined Mayor Eric Adams and New York City officials to celebrate a significant achievement in the fight against illegal cannabis retailers. Since Governor Hochul expanded cannabis enforcement powers, New York City has reported over 779 illegal stores padlocked, and the New York State Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force has closed an additional 230 statewide, totaling more than 1,000.
“Earlier this year, I enacted new enforcement powers to swiftly and permanently close thousands of illegal cannabis retailers across New York selling potentially dangerous products — many targeting children and teens — and taking business away from licensed store owners,” Governor Hochul stated. “I am pleased to join Mayor Adams and other officials to celebrate this milestone and recognize the enforcement teams who shut down over 1,000 unlicensed stores statewide, bringing us closer to building the strongest, most equitable cannabis industry in the nation.”
In April, Governor Hochul introduced new initiatives to combat illicit cannabis operations and protect the legal market as part of the FY25 Enacted Budget. This plan gives the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local municipalities the authority to act against illegal storefronts and their enablers. These initiatives represent the strongest policies yet to tackle the illicit cannabis market.
On May 21, Governor Hochul launched the Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, led by the State Police First Deputy Superintendent. This major statewide effort coordinates staff from several agencies to combat the illicit cannabis market. The Task Force collaborates with landlords to evict illegal dispensaries and penalizes those who do not take action against illegal operations after being informed.
The State’s commitment to closing unlicensed cannabis storefronts has directly impacted the legal cannabis industry. Since the Task Force’s launch, 230 illegal cannabis stores have been padlocked. Additionally, OCM reports over 6,000 pounds of illicit product seized from these stores. Since Governor Hochul granted the authority to conduct regulatory inspections, OCM and DTF have seized over 6,000 pounds of illicit product valued at $22 million, bringing the statewide total since May 2023 to over 25,000 pounds valued at over $110 million.
“I am pleased to join Mayor Adams and other officials to celebrate this milestone and recognize the enforcement teams who shut down over 1,000 unlicensed stores statewide, bringing us closer to building the strongest, most equitable cannabis industry in the nation,” Governor Hochul reiterated.
OCM Interim Executive Director Felicia A.B. Reid stated, “The Taskforce has been crucial in cracking down on illicit cannabis operators. Every day, OCM and our partners across the State work hard to ensure a fair, safer, and equitable market for all, supporting New York’s legal cannabis businesses. I thank Governor Hochul for equipping the Taskforce with the tools and resources needed to uphold these values. I also want to acknowledge the broad public support for the Taskforce’s efforts, especially from those who have connected with us through OCM’s Incident Reporting Form online. Together, we can build and sustain a thriving, regulated, and inclusive cannabis market.”
Furthermore, legal cannabis sales in New York City have increased by 72 percent in the 10 weeks since enforcement actions began, with retailers collectively reporting $2.6 million in weekly revenue growth.
As the New York State Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force nears its two-month operational mark, OCM continues to prioritize hiring staff to manage investigations, hearings, and administrative support to bolster its statewide efforts to shut down illegal stores.
To date, OCM has opened 152 legal dispensaries throughout the State, and this year alone, New York has issued 730 additional adult-use licenses. View the list of licensed dispensaries selling cannabis products grown by NY farmers and tested, packaged, and labeled according to New York State’s regulated system.