Over 100 illicit cannabis storefronts shutdown across New York State over the past three-weeks, says the Governor’s Office

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul says over 100 illicit cannabis storefronts statewide have been shut down over the last three-weeks, thanks to her New York Cannabis Enforcement Task Force.

Since May 21, when the Task Force was launched, 114 illegal cannabis stores have been padlocked.

In addition, the OCM reports that $29,306,247 worth of illegal substances was seized from these stores and legal cannabis sales are up 27 percent since May for stores close to the padlocked locations.

“We are committed to building the strongest, most equitable cannabis market in the nation,” Governor Hochul said.

“In order to advance that goal, we promised to expedite the closure of unlicensed cannabis storefronts, and I’m here today to say: we’re getting it done.”

In April, Governor Hochul unveiled new initiatives to shut down illicit cannabis operations and protect the legal marketplace as part of the FY25 Enacted Budget.

The plan provides the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local municipalities with new authority to act against illicit storefronts and those who enable them.

The initiatives are the strongest set of policies enacted thus far to tackle the illicit cannabis marketplace, the Governor claims.

New York Department of Ag and Markets image.