Governor Kathy Hochul announced decisive enforcement actions against unlicensed cannabis businesses in the state.
Under a new law signed in May, the state Office of Cannabis Management and Department of Taxation and Finance have jointly inspected 33 storefront businesses across New York City, Ithaca, and Binghamton, leading to seizure of nearly $11 million worth of illicit cannabis. “If you sell illegal cannabis in New York, you will be caught and you will be stopped,” said Hochul.
These enforcement actions resulted in Notices of Violation issued to 31 of the businesses, leading to the seizure of at least 1000 pounds of illegal cannabis products.
The new law empowers these agencies to levy heavy fines, initiate processes to shut down businesses, and even push for State court orders to padlock businesses that continually violate the law. Fines could range from $10,000 to $20,000 per day depending on the severity of the violation.
The newly established enforcement law also permits the state to conduct regulatory inspections of cannabis businesses to ensure tax compliance, with additional civil penalties for non-compliance. The sustained efforts to close down illegal operations, part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, signify New York’s commitment to public safety, consumer well-being, and the integrity of the state’s legal cannabis market.
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