The city of New York has launched a crackdown on illegal cannabis shops in the city, with Mayor Eric Adams leading the charge. One such unlicensed pot shop, the “Western Green” smoke shop in Kew Gardens, Queens, was recently raided and shut down by the Big Apple Sheriff’s Office and NYPD. Bags of illegal marijuana, including flower and edibles with appealing packaging targeting young people, were confiscated during the raid.
This raid is part of the larger crackdown announced by Mayor Adams, aimed at enforcing a new state law that makes it easier to close the estimated 2,900 unlicensed cannabis shops in the city. Civic leaders from Community Board 9, which includes Kew Gardens, have expressed their opposition to the opening of new state-licensed marijuana shops in the area until all illegal smoke shops are shut down. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards has also noted the efforts of the “cannabis cops” in closing illegal shops, although many such establishments are still in operation.
During the raid at the Lefferts Boulevard shop, a reporter witnessed the discovery of products such as “Malibu Cherry Pie” marijuana packaged in colorful boxes featuring images appealing to young people like Barbie. These rogue operations are not paying taxes and are acquiring their marijuana from various sources including California, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East. Flavored vapes that are outlawed were also found at another illegal cannabis shop on Jamaica Avenue, selling products in packaging that mimics that of popular ice cream brands.
In contrast to these illegal operations, New York’s licensed cannabis sellers are held to higher standards and are barred from packaging their products in a way that could appeal to minors. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued a notice to licensed stores to withdraw certain products with packaging that resembles the branding of non-cannabis products enjoyed by youths. Governor Kathy Hochul has called for an overhaul of the OCM to expedite the licensing process for legal cannabis stores, following a report criticizing the agency’s performance. The goal is to promote the legal cannabis industry while cracking down on illegal operations that pose risks to public health and safety.
