New York Governor Fights Back Against Illicit Cannabis Outlets by Urging Tech Companies to Take Action – Sky Bulletin
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To combat the surge of unauthorized cannabis shops across New York City, Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a novel approach by appealing to online platforms to stop promoting these businesses.
The problem arose following the legalization of marijuana in New York in 2021. Despite legalization, there has been a rapid increase in unlicensed dispensaries, dwarfing the presence of legal ones. On a recent Tuesday, Hochul requested that digital map and social media services cease displaying illegal vendors in their listings.
Addressing the media and joined by representatives of lawful cannabis retailers, Governor Hochul highlighted that a search for ‘cannabis dispensaries’ on platforms like Google Maps or Yelp results in a list flooded with illicit sellers. The governor emphasized the unfair competition faced by licensed dispensaries as they struggle against unregulated counterparts.
Yelp responded by underscoring the public’s right to share and find information about all businesses, including those without licenses, citing that it informs consumers and aids regulatory bodies.
Legitimate marijuana establishments in New York adhere to stringent regulations, supporting local agriculture, upholding product quality standards, and contributing taxes. In contrast, legal cannabis businesses are scarce, hampered by rigorous prerequisites and legal obstacles, which have impeded the program’s expansion.
Despite Governor Hochul’s commitment to address the issue eight months ago, there has been little headway. New York’s cannabis legislation does not impose harsh penalties for unauthorized sales, nor does it grant ample enforcement power to most police agencies.
Hochul’s administration has implemented measures including inspections, asset seizures, and hefty fines, sometimes targeting property owners. Yet, these tactics have fallen short as offenders sidestep regulations and continue to profit.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has been advocating for more authority to manage the situation locally. Meanwhile, Hochul is proposing legislative changes to strengthen enforcement and expedite the closure of illegal dispensaries.
Until these measures take effect, the governor hopes technology companies will play a role by demoting illegal stores and boosting the visibility of licensed businesses on their platforms.
Osbert Orduña, a lawful dispensary owner, expressed frustration over his business being erroneously delisted by Google Maps, pleading for the removal of illegal competitors and a fair competitive landscape.
Google has acknowledged Governor Hochul’s remarks and clarified its policies regarding venue closure and advertising restrictions, particularly for issues concerning licensing.
FAQ Section
- Why is New York targeting illegal cannabis stores?
The proliferation of illegal cannabis stores creates unfair competition for licensed shops and poses a concern for product quality and safety due to lack of regulation. - What actions has New York taken against these illicit dispensaries?
Legislation has granted the state powers for inspections, seizures, and imposing fines. The governor is also asking online platforms to not list illegal dispensaries. - How are legitimate cannabis stores regulated in New York?
Legal shops are taxed, buy from local farms, and perform quality control tests to ensure product safety according to label specifications. - What is Yelp’s stance on listing illegal cannabis shops?
Yelp maintains that consumers should have the right to read and write about all businesses, including unlicensed ones, which provides insight for regulators and the public. - How has Google Maps responded to the issue?
Google has stated that it removes listings for businesses confirmed to be closed, including those closed due to licensing issues, and prohibits cannabis ads in New York.
Conclusion
The ongoing struggle against illegal cannabis stores in New York is a multi-faceted challenge involving regulation, enforcement, and cooperation from technology platforms. While the state has enacted legislation and taken steps to deter unlawful operations, Governor Hochul recognizes the need for stronger measures and the support of tech companies to protect consumers and legitimate businesses alike. The resolution to this issue will require continued efforts from state authorities, cooperation from online services, and changes in policy to create an equitable and safe cannabis market in New York.
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