Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update on the State’s efforts after a three-month blitz by the Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (ICET). Since launched, the task force – in collaboration with the State Police, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Department of Tax and Finance (DTF), local law enforcement, and over a dozen other state agencies – deployed 150 investigators to inspect, reinspect, padlock, and seize products from illicit operators.
“Thousands of illegal cannabis storefronts across the State have plagued our communities and siphoned business from licensed retailers,” Governor Hochul said. “I launched the Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force to quickly close these unlicensed shops, and today, more than 1,000 have been shuttered. I look forward to building upon that success to continue our enforcement efforts across New York.”
On May 21, Governor Hochul launched the first-of-its-kind Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force to conduct statewide operations across every region, with a particular focus on supporting legal cannabis market retailers. Led by the State Police First Deputy Superintendent, the Task Force leveraged new enforcement powers enacted by Governor Hochul earlier this year, to padlock illicit storefronts and take action against landlords who failed to comply with the law.
ABOUT CANY:
The Cannabis Association of New York is dedicated to serving as the premier Chamber of Commerce for the New York cannabis industry. Our mission is to promote the health and sustainability of the entire cannabis ecosystem in New York, fostering responsible growth and economic prosperity. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we aim to create a thriving and inclusive cannabis community that prioritizes the well-being of consumers, businesses, and the environment. Together, we strive to shape a future where cannabis is understood, respected, and integrated into the fabric of New York’s diverse economy.