Kraham cracks down on illegal cannabis shops

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Binghamton has proposed a new law that would give law enforcement the power to shut down illegal cannabis shops across the city.

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham says the new proposed law would allow the Binghamton Police Department to inspect businesses suspected of unlicensed cannabis sales.

If a property is repeatedly cited for unlicensed cannabis, or if it is deemed a threat to public safety, the police department can order its immediate shutdown pending a court hearing.

Kraham says there are several factors that could deem a property a threat, including selling to minors, violent activity, the presence of unlawful firearms, and the proximity to schools, places of worship, or youth facilities.

“We know and believe that these shops are selling to minors. That people are buying product that could be counterfeit, it could be fake, it could be dangerous, untested, is problematic. And while we have to be supporting the legal cannabis market, a legal cannabis market cannot be successful with these illegal sticker shops,” said Kraham.

Kraham says there are still several illicit cannabis stores operating within the city.

Stores selling illegal products will be subject to a civil penalty, up to $10,000 per day.

Kraham says the proposal was already submitted to Binghamton City Council, and they plan to vote on it next week.

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