New York’s Crackdown on Illegal Cannabis: Task Force Seizes $29 Million in Products and Doubles Legal Sales!

Task Force Cracks Down on Illegal Cannabis Shops

New York’s Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (ICET) has made significant strides in curbing illegal cannabis sales. Since launching on May 21, this initiative has harnessed new enforcement powers to tackle unlicensed cannabis operations. Collaborating with the State Police, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), the Department of Tax and Finance (DTF), and various local agencies, the task force has conducted over 700 inspections.

These efforts resulted in the seizure of nearly 7,500 pounds of illegal cannabis, valued at approximately $28.9 million, and the padlocking of 345 illicit shops.

Market Impact: Legal Sales on the Rise

In response to the crackdown, 136 unlicensed locations either shut down voluntarily or ceased illegal operations. This enforcement boost has led to a substantial increase in legal cannabis sales. Since May, legal sales have surged by 51 percent, reaching over $368 million as of August 23, 2024—more than double the $160 million in total sales reported for 2023.

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The total retail sales have now surpassed $520 million, with more than 43 percent of this amount accumulated since the task force’s launch. Licensed retailers are seeing average sales increases of 50 percent statewide, with New York City dispensaries experiencing a remarkable 97 percent rise.

Future Plans and Continued Efforts

The OCM is committed to maintaining this momentum by expanding its enforcement team. The agency is actively hiring additional investigators and attorneys to manage ongoing enforcement efforts.

With over 1,000 illegal stores shut down and 166 licensed dispensaries currently operational, the OCM remains focused on ensuring a regulated and thriving cannabis market.