Businesses selling illicit cannabis will face the loss of tobacco, liquor, or gaming licenses in new landmark legislation
Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr., along Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia, State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, and community advocates rallied on Saturday to highlight critical legislation to protect residents and bolster good standing community businesses by targeting retailers, smoke shops, bodegas, and delis where illicit cannabis is sold.
“In pursuit of a safe and fair regulated cannabis marketplace, it’s important that we establish clear boundaries and consequences for those who choose to operate outside the legal framework,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “This legislation is critical step in dismantling the illicit market, ensuring consumer safety, and maintaining the integrity of New York’s regulated cannabis industry.”
Bill A9520/S8847 would allow for the revocation of licenses to sell cigarettes, tobacco products, alcohol and lottery tickets for the possession or sale of illicit cannabis in violation of the cannabis law. If a retail dealer in cigarettes or tobacco products, or their agent, possesses or sells illicit cannabis their state-issued license is subject to a revocation period ranging from a period of one year for a first offense, increasing in severity to a period of revocation for five years for a third offense within five years.
To date in the Bronx, the task force has conducted more than 280 inspections, levied fines of more than $11 million, seized more than $4 million of illicit products, made 57 arrests, seized 409 pounds of cannabis flower/pre-rolls, 7,353 packages of THC edibles, and 14 edged and other weapons. This legislation is one more tool to keep bad actors from infiltrating our neighborhoods and protecting those who follow the law.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
This bill seems to be just like the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), and can be gotten around just like the illegal smoke shops are currently doing. It has no real teeth in it to close down any business dealing in illegal cannabis sales.
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