Upper East Side lawmakers are urging Governor Hochul to allow New York City to enforce stricter regulations on unlicensed cannabis shops, highlighting the growing issue of illegal cannabis retailers. Opinion pieces by Andrew Cuomo and reports have cited the ineffectiveness of current laws under penal code sections 222.50-65 and Cannabis Law section 132 in curbing the operation of dispensaries without a state-authorized license. The situation is exacerbated by the New York City Council's inability to pass local laws to enforce retail cannabis licensing requirements, leading to a growing number of unlicensed cannabis retailers. This call for action is part of a broader concern over rising crime rates in the city, including issues related to retail theft and the impact on local businesses, with figures like Carl Heastie being criticized for their stance.
To the hardworking businessmen & women in New York — I hear you. Crime is out of control & retail theft has real consequences. Doing what I can in DC to put a stop to radicals like @CarlHeastie. https://t.co/xaR6tjWJMc https://t.co/IHtbm504oB
Today's cover: Outraged NYC biz owners are fed up with Carl Heastie over refusal to crack down on violent shoplifters: ‘It’s open season’ https://t.co/5EVhqxwofU https://t.co/JtDvXa69Y7
OPINION | Let NYC padlock illegal pot shops NYC hasn’t made a dent in the number of unlicensed cannabis retailers (it’s growing) Council is locked out of passing local laws to enforce retail cannabis licensing requirements @galeabrewer @irlsamgoldsmith https://t.co/vpJiOZAkYD
Opinion piece by Andrew Cuomo: 'Under penal code sections 222.50-65, it is still a criminal offense to possess marijuana with an intent to illegally distribute. Under Cannabis Law section 132, it is illegal to operate a dispensary without a state authorized license. Government… https://t.co/7oi2QcXHoa
UES Lawmakers Call on Gov. Hochul to Allow City Crackdown on Unlicensed Cannabis Shops - Upper East Site https://t.co/GRlcOwXMGn