Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

She is targeting illegal smoke shops, which she says are not only breaking the rules, but also “destabilizing neighborhoods and attracting other types of crime.”

Kurt Semder

Apr 19, 2024, 9:26 PM

Updated 13 days ago

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Gov. Kathy Hochul is making it a priority to get illegal cannabis under control in the new state budget.
She is targeting illegal smoke shops, which she says are not only breaking the rules, but also “destabilizing neighborhoods and attracting other types of crime.”
The governor’s five-point plan includes giving state and local authorities the power to padlock doors of illegal shops.
They can only fine them currently.
News 12 spoke with the owners of legal adult-use dispensaries, who say these illicit shops not only don’t pay taxes, but are a danger to the public, as their product is not regulated, and many times is marketed toward young people.


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