New York – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. on Tuesday announced a partnership with local law enforcement and elected officials to combat the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed cannabis dispensaries throughout the Manhattan borough.
In a first, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Tuesday filed complaints against four unlicensed establishments selling cannabis at the NYPD’s 9th Precinct. The complaints allege that an officer observed the sale of cannabis products to minors at these establishments and tried to shut them down for illegally selling cannabis products and operating without a license.
In addition, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office sent letters to each of the more than 400 known smoke shops in Manhattan, warning them of the possibility of eviction proceedings for illegal cannabis sales.
Mayor Adams said, “Cannabis legalization was a huge step forward for equity and justice, but we are not going to take two steps back by allowing illegal smoke shops to capture this booming market.” “Today, we are proud to announce that we are taking direct action against four unlicensed tobacco stores in the Ninth Precinct, which will complement our efforts with District Attorney Bragg to hold these illegal businesses accountable . We’re focused on protecting the health and well-being of New Yorkers and making sure this booming industry delivers equality to those who deserve it most. I also want to recognize the tireless work of the New York City Police Department and Sheriff’s Office to combat the proliferation of unlicensed tobacco stores throughout the city and keep New Yorkers safe.”
Mayor Adams has partnered with DA Bragg and other elected leaders in a collaborative enforcement effort that will protect New York’s newly legal cannabis industry, as well as regulate the health and well-being of consumers and young New Yorkers at risk from unsafe products.
More specifically, the NYPD complaints allege that officers witnessed the sale of cannabis to underage assistant officers at these four establishments in Manhattan: Runtz Tobacco, located at 14 First Avenue; Broadway, located at 736 Broadway; St. Marks Convenience and Smoke Shop located at 103 St. Marks Place; and Soggy Mart Rolls & Puffs, located at 24 Avenue A. The NYPD is now seeking to close these unlicensed establishments under the New York City Nuisance Reduction Act for unlicensed cannabis sales, also a violation of the New York State marijuana tax and regulation. Law.
“For nearly two years, we have seen a proliferation of storefronts selling unlicensed, unregulated and untaxed cannabis products throughout Manhattan. It is time to end the operation of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries,” District Attorney Bragg he said. “Just as we cannot allow endless bars and unlicensed liquor shops to open on every corner, we cannot allow cannabis. It is not safe to sell products that have not been properly inspected and regulated for dosage, purity, and contaminants. And it’s certainly not fair to competing companies. Advocates have fought hard to keep racial equality at the center of New York’s cannabis legalization regime. We want to give New York’s legal cannabis market a fair chance to thrive and give New Yorkers the security of knowing that a safe and orderly system for cannabis dispensaries exists. Together, we can level the playing field for New York’s legal cannabis market and deliver on the promise of fairness and justice for which legalization advocates fought so long and hard.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s letter specifically informs commercial entities that the office is “prepared to use its civil authority under Real Estate Actions and Proceedings Act § 715(1) to enforce the order to prevent landlords and landlords from illegally engaging commercial entities.” to be compelled to take proceedings for the eviction of tenants from his trade or business, and if necessary to take charge of such eviction proceedings”.
Over the next several weeks, the DA’s office will work with its partners to determine where evidence of unauthorized cannabis sales and other illegal activity exists, and then notify property owners of their need to initiate eviction proceedings. Will inform about
If the landlord does not file an eviction petition within five days of written notice, or if after filing the petition, the landlord fails to “proceed with good faith diligence,” Bragg’s office may begin its own proceedings against the tenant. Will do as if he were the landlord.
Mark Levin, Manhattan County Chairman, said, “Smoke shops illegally selling cannabis products in Manhattan neighborhoods are compromising the integrity of the new cannabis licensing process and undermining the very important equity goals of the new cannabis laws ” “As this new legal industry continues to emerge, we must ensure that companies that do the right thing are in a position to succeed. I am grateful for Bragg’s leadership and thoughtful approach to this issue and we look forward to holding illegal operators accountable.” Look forward to working with them and local stakeholders to
