Hochul unveils plans to shut down illegal pot shops

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — As the state legislature is working on their final approval of the state budget Governor Hochul announced a statewide task force to crack down on illegal cannabis shop.

This is all part of this year’s state budget. The state’s 5-point plan gives the Office of Cannabis Management and local governments permission to put padlocks on stores selling without a license or running a business that’s in violation of any health or safety regulations. That includes businesses operating too close to schools, houses of worship, or those selling to minors.

Hochul said, “I’m using the power of the state budget to give us the tools we need at the state-local level to shutter these illegal shops once and for all, will weed out illegitimate shops. And clear the way for the license owners so they can grow their budding businesses and realize their dreams.”

Governor Hochul warns that pot shops operating illegally could face having their doors barred closed, in addition to larger fines.

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