Jacob Brown
New York’s Governor, Kathy Hochul, appeals to online maps and social media companies to cease displaying unlicensed cannabis dispensaries, which have surged in number across New York City since marijuana legalization in 2021.
Yelp Defends First Amendment Rights:
Yelp defends its stance, citing consumers’ First Amendment rights to access information about all businesses, including unlicensed ones, despite the governor’s request to remove listings of illegal cannabis vendors.
Licensed marijuana stores in New York face challenges, including stringent eligibility criteria and legal obstacles, while unlicensed dispensaries proliferate, posing risks to public safety and regulatory compliance.
Governor Hochul Acknowledges Enforcement Shortcomings:
Despite previous promises to crack down on illegal pot shops, Governor Hochul admits to ineffective enforcement measures, citing insufficient fines and lengthy appeals processes that allow illicit businesses to operate tax-free.
Governor Hochul calls on the state legislature to pass new legislation granting more enforcement authority to city agencies, escalating fines, and enabling law enforcement to shut down illegal dispensaries promptly.
