Pair of local measures introduced to combat unlicensed sale of cannabis in Oneida County, while regulating retail of tobacco and nicotine paraphernalia

UTICA- Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. has introduced two newly proposed measures that will crack down on the unlicensed sale of cannabis and regulate the retail of tobacco and nicotine smoking paraphernalia.

The first local law authorizes the Oneida County Health Department to combat the unlicensed sale of cannabis. “It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 illicit cannabis shops doing business in New York State,” Picente said.

It will enable the County to conduct regulatory inspections of unlicensed cannabis retailers, issue violation notices, impose fines and penalties, seize illicit cannabis and issue orders to shut down unlicensed cannabis businesses.

The second local law, known as the Smoking Paraphernalia Retail Control Act, is a first-of-its-kind legislation that will establish a comprehensive system for licensing and inspection of smoking paraphernalia retailers. 

Any retailer selling pipes, waterpipes, hookahs, rolling papers, leaf (such as tendu leaves), electronic pipes, electronic cigarettes and electronic tank-devices, or any other device, equipment or apparatus designed for the inhalation of tobacco or nicotine, will be required to obtain a license from the Oneida County Health Department.

“The use of tobacco and nicotine is one of the greatest public health threats of our time, as it is linked to 13 types of cancer and 25 chronic diseases” Picente added.

“While the use of cigarettes has fallen, the use of vapes and waterpipes has skyrocketed, particularly among young people. Studies show that smoke shops increase the use of tobacco and nicotine products, especially when they are located near schools. Cracking down on this access will go a long way to protecting our children.”

More information available via Oneida County's website.

Anthony J. Picente Jr. image.