State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) officials said Wednesday they are cracking down on illegal cannabis shops, but local police are calling for clearer guidelines. Despite the state’s $13.4 million budget to combat illicit marijuana sales, confusion remains.
OCM has hired 25 enforcement staff and confiscated over 24,000 pounds of illegal cannabis products worth $108 million. James Rogers, OCM’s director of business development, mentioned that the Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, with 200 personnel from 26 agencies, conducts weekly inspections to close unlicensed dispensaries.
However, law enforcement officials say they need clearer rules on what they can enforce and how to handle seized products. Although 216 illegal dispensaries have been shut since April, Apple noted the state’s rollout has been flawed, and law enforcement still struggles to close down illegal operations effectively.
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