NYC to start padlocking illegal pot shops: 'Soon as the ink dries, we're going to execute'

Here is a breakdown of renter’s rights against illegal …

13 NYC subway stations to get repairs and remodels …

Adams administration ‘will address’ NYPD illegally …

Tasty ideas to have the perfect picnic

Video

Where in the world is ‘Globetrotting Gabe’?

PanCAN PurpleStride to be held this weekend across …

NYC wasn’t prepared for flooding during Tropical …

‘Catch-and-kill’ to be described to jurors as testimony …

How to pack your picnic basket for National Picnic …

Video

Doing love better with ‘Love Life’

Video

Wine and takeout with the SuperVinoBros

Volunteering with Guaranteed Karma

April Varner releases new single

Wine and spirits that are eco-friendly

Was Zach Wilson the worst draft pick in Jets history?

Video

Jets trade quarterback Zach Wilson to Broncos: AP …

‘This is the team to do it’: Knicks fans are excited …

Moose on the Loose: Rangers face Capitals in playoffs

NY SportsNation Nightly: The 2024 NFL draft

Mom approved spring essentials

Social determinants of health that affect employee …

Every day products that will help reduce your carbon …

Tips to design a multifunctional outdoor space for …

Spring season must-haves that will leave you looking …

by: Jonathan Rizk

Posted: Apr 23, 2024 / 04:32 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 23, 2024 / 04:35 PM EDT

NEW YORK (PIX11) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state’s FY25 Budget, which includes a plan to shut down stores selling marijuana illegally.

The budget, which was approved on Saturday, authorizes the Office of Cannabis Management to padlock stores violating the state’s marijuana laws.

The plan allows for the OCM to padlock illegal “storefronts immediately following an inspection if they are selling illicit cannabis and pose an imminent threat to health and safety,” according to the state’s website. Officials will start “cracking down on landlords,” launch a task force that will be statewide and expand local authorities to allow cities to adopt their own cannabis regulation laws.

New York City will also be given “immediate enforcement powers to inspect, issue violations, and seize cannabis and padlock stores,” the state’s website said.

Mayor Eric Adams was asked on Tuesday about the new plan and said New York City is ready.

“I think we have 2,800,” Adams said about illegal stores officials have identified. “So the team is going to be ready to go hit those 2,800…they’re already building out the operationalizing of this. So soon as the ink dries, we’re going to execute,” Adams added.

The city could also padlock a store if imminent threat to health and safety, such as:

“If there is an imminent threat to safety from an illegal smoke shop, such as being close to a school or a documented instance of selling to a minor,” said the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Tiffany Raspberry.

“We now have the authority to immediately issue a violation and padlock the shop. In cases where there is a non-imminent threat, we can also move swiftly. The city can issue a violation and thousands of dollars in fines, and if we go back 10 days later and there’s still an issue, we can immediately padlock,” Raspberry added.

The budget’s approval came almost three weeks late, originally due on April 1.

Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com.

Suggest a Correction

Submit

Δ

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Moms can be tough to shop for, but if you’re having a hard time coming up with the perfect present, flowers are never the wrong choice.

Find some of our best ideas for banishing your laundry chair for good.

Using a backpack cooler ensures you always have your favorite beverage with you (at your preferred temperature), no matter where you go.