State Crackdown: Nine Rochester Cannabis Shops Raided

New York Task Force Raids Nine Unlicensed Cannabis Shops in Rochester

New York authorities raided and shut down nine businesses in Rochester last month as part of a new task force’s effort to crack down on unlicensed cannabis shops statewide. This operation is part of ongoing efforts by state officials to control the proliferation of illegal dispensaries since the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2021.

Struggles with Licensing and Illegal Dispensaries

State officials have faced significant challenges in regulating the cannabis industry due to repeated setbacks in the licensing process. These delays have led to a surge in unlicensed dispensaries across New York, eager to capitalize on the lucrative market.

The recent busts in Rochester follow the opening of the city’s first legal cannabis dispensary, a venture supported by local politicians. In April, Governor Kathy Hochul established a new task force aimed at inspecting and shutting down illicit cannabis operations, citing concerns that black-market businesses threaten public safety and undermine the legal market.

Details of the Raids

The nine shops targeted in Rochester for allegedly selling cannabis without proper licenses include:

• Acadia Canna & Kratom at 1971 E. Ridge Road in Irondequoit
• Jadr and Co LLC at 722 N. Winton Road in Rochester
• Higher Level Smoke Shop (Genesis-360 LLC) at 490 Monroe Ave. in Rochester
• DJs Somewhere at 1280 Scottsville Road in Rochester
• Jadr and Co LLC at 804 Meigs St. in Rochester
• Nick’s Superstore at 460 Monroe Ave. in Rochester
• Smoke Depot Greece at 630 W. Ridge Road in Greece
• Puff Puff Pass at 337 Driving Park Ave. in Rochester
• Elite Cigar & Smoke II at 2973 West Henrietta Road in Henrietta

Task Force Achievements

The newly formed task force has been active over the past month, conducting 323 inspections and closing 164 unlicensed dispensaries, according to the Office of Cannabis Management. Inspectors have seized nearly 5,000 pounds of illicit cannabis valued at $30 million.

Impact on Legal Market

State officials reported that licensed dispensaries in downstate New York have seen a 50% increase in revenue since the task force’s inception. There are currently 144 licensed dispensaries across the state. For consumers looking for legal cannabis options, the state’s website provides a directory of licensed dispensaries.

This ongoing effort underscores New York’s commitment to regulating its cannabis industry, ensuring public safety, and supporting the legal marketplace. As the state continues to address the challenges posed by unlicensed dispensaries, licensed businesses and consumers can expect a more stable and secure market.