NEW YORK — There are new efforts to shut down the illegal marijuana shops which have sprung up like weeds all around the state, particularly within the 5 boroughs.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing a brand new enforcement plan that comes with stiff fines and new enforcement powers for state companies.
It was solely three months in the past that CBS2 waked right into a retailer on West 52d Avenue that made it clear it was promoting a mess of marijuana merchandise and requested the query of the day.
“Do you may have any flower?”
“Yeah, it is proper right here,” a clerk responded.
Flower is what these within the know name marijuana as of late, and now Gov. Hochul is proposing new laws to nip unlawful gross sales of flower within the bud.
She desires stiff new fines to crack down on unlawful shops, the place lengthy rows of various sorts of marijuana are displayed in clear Plexigas containers so connoisseurs can scent the different sorts earlier than making a alternative.
“The continued existence of unlawful dispensaries is unacceptable,” the governor stated in a press release.
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Unlawful pot outlets might face fines of $200,000 for having illicit hashish vegetation or merchandise and as much as $10,000 a day for promoting and not using a license.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Brad Hoylman-Sigal has many unlawful outlets in his Manhattan district.
“I am supportive of any efforts to close these unlawful hashish outlets down. They’re a nuisance, an eyesore,” Hoylman-Sigal stated.
The laws would give investigators with the state Division of Taxation and Finance peace officer standing to go after the unlawful dispensaries for evading state hashish gross sales taxes.
“These hashish outlets do not pay taxes. They’re working means exterior the regulation, however, most significantly, they’re harmful, harmful to younger individuals, to vacationers, and to others who might imagine that simply because a hashish store is open on a block — many in my district — that they are promoting a product that has been sanctioned,” Hoylman-Sigal stated.
Mayor Eric Adams, who has complained that metropolis penalties are too low to be a deterrent, was thrilled with the brand new proposal.
“Gov. Hochul clearly acknowledges the necessity for motion to strengthen the town’s capability to carry these illicit companies accountable,” Press Secretary Fabien Levy stated. “This enforcement is essential for the well being and security of our households and younger individuals.”
Officers hope the invoice is enacted as a part of the price range, which is due on the finish of the month.
