New York's Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force padlocks 345 unlicensed cannabis shops

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday the results of a three-month crackdown on illegal cannabis shops across the state.

The blitz by the Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (ICET), in collaboration with New York State Police, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Department of Tax and Finance, local law enforcement, and over a dozen other state agencies, deployed 150 investigators to inspect, reinspect, padlock, and seize products from illicit operators.

Since its launch, the ICET reports:

- More than 700 inspections, resulting in 7,485 pounds of illegal cannabis seized (estimated value of $28.9 million);
- 789 inspections leading to 345 padlocks and 596 Notices of Violation issued;
- 136 locations closed on their own or ceased illegal cannabis operations in response to enforcement action;
- 79 administrative hearings, resulting in 57 administrative decisions to date, 52 of which upheld the emergency padlocking.

"Thousands of illegal cannabis storefronts across the State have plagued our communities and siphoned business from licensed retailers," said Gov. Hochul on Monday. "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."

Across the State, legal cannabis sales saw a surge following Gov. Hochul’s enactment of expanded enforcement powers. As of Aug. 23, New York’s sales year-to-date in 2024 reached $368.4 million, more than doubling the $160 million total sales amassed in 2023.

Enforcement efforts have pushed the State’s total retail sales to over $520 million, sales since May 2024 making up over 43% of that total. Licensed retailers report an average increase of 50% in sales statewide, and 97% in New York City.

"I am extremely proud of the Taskforce members, OCM’s agency partners and our collaboration with local law enforcement. It has been an incredible collective effort, from the long hours in sweltering heat, to travel crisscrossing the State," said OCM Director of Investigations and Enforcement Daniel Haughney. "The Taskforce has made enormous strides in shifting the cannabis landscape in New York, although there remains much work ahead. I commend Gov. Hochul for putting in place the structures to take swift and decisive administrative action."

There are currently 166 adult-use retail dispensaries open for business across New York.