Thousands of unlicensed marijuana shops opened in New York City after the state legalized recreational use of the drug in 2021. New state regulations are allowing officials to crack down.
The city sheriff’s office said it has closed about 700 illegal stores since the new rules were enacted in April. The unsanctioned shops proliferated across the Big Apple when the city’s legal power had been limited and the legal market was mired in red tape.
There were nearly 3,000 unlicensed marijuana shops throughout New York City and about 60 licensed dispensaries, the sheriff’s office estimated.
Licensed operators say the city is bringing order to the cannabis industry.
Imagine being able to get the government to muscle out 98% of the competition for you?
The city sheriff’s office said it has closed about 700 illegal stores since the new rules were enacted in April. The unsanctioned shops proliferated across the Big Apple when the city’s legal power had been limited and the legal market was mired in red tape.
There were nearly 3,000 unlicensed marijuana shops throughout New York City and about 60 licensed dispensaries, the sheriff’s office estimated.
Licensed operators say the city is bringing order to the cannabis industry.
Imagine being able to get the government to muscle out 98% of the competition for you?
