New Law to Shut Down Unlicensed Cannabis Shops in Chemung County

Chemung County Votes on New Law to Shut Down Unlicensed Cannabis Shops

CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) – Chemung County’s Multi-Services Committee is set to vote on a proposed law aimed at cracking down on unlicensed cannabis businesses operating within the county. If approved during Monday night’s meeting, the law will move to the full County Legislature for a vote next month. The measure is a response to the proliferation of unlicensed cannabis storefronts, often referred to as “sticker shops,” which have sprung up throughout the region.

Details of the “Chemung County Unlicensed Cannabis Regulation Law”

The proposed law, titled the “Chemung County Unlicensed Cannabis Regulation Law,” targets any individual or business selling cannabis products without proper registration or a license. The legislation would also apply to businesses involved in indirect retail sales of cannabis without the necessary permits.

The law is part of a broader statewide effort initiated in April by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who announced new powers for local authorities to shut down unlicensed marijuana shops. These measures include allowing municipalities to immediately padlock stores found selling illicit cannabis.

“The governor, in her last budget, approved local municipalities to enforce illegal marijuana sales,” said Chemung County Executive Chris Moss. “Sticker shops have been a problem throughout upstate New York and the state in general. This law will allow us to padlock these businesses, impose fines, and hold hearings to address violations.”

Enforcement and Penalties for Violators

The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office will lead the enforcement effort to close illegal cannabis storefronts. In collaboration with the county’s Public Health Director and County Code Officer, the Sheriff’s Office will have the authority to:

• Issue violation notices and cease orders for unlicensed activities
• Seize any cannabis or cannabis-related products
• Order the sealing of businesses engaged in illegal sales
• Seek injunctions to stop unlawful operations

The penalties for violating the law are steep, with fines ranging from $100 to $10,000 per day that the violation continues, capped at $25,000. The proposed law also allows the county to seek additional civil penalties for non-compliance.

Moss on the Impact of Illegal Cannabis Shops

County Executive Chris Moss expressed concern over the rapid rise of sticker shops in Chemung County. “They come and go quickly, often changing locations,” Moss said. He noted that many of these unlicensed shops set up in low-income areas, which he finds troubling. “We’ve received calls about where these shops are popping up, and it’s often in vulnerable communities,” he added.

Moss, who has voiced his opposition to cannabis legalization in general, acknowledged that the state’s decision to legalize cannabis was driven by the potential for tax revenue. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that legal businesses are not undermined by unlicensed competitors. “We can’t have illegal shops selling cannabis and competing with registered, licensed dispensaries who have followed the legal process.”

Local Lawmaking Efforts in Elmira

The resolution includes a provision that would exempt the City of Elmira from the county’s law if the city enacts its own cannabis regulation. Elmira Mayor Dan Mandell confirmed that the city is in the process of drafting a similar law. The proposed legislation would give the Elmira Police Department and the Elmira Code Enforcement Department the authority to shut down unlicensed cannabis shops. Mayor Mandell hopes the city’s version of the law will be ready for a vote at the next City Council meeting on October 7.

The Licensed Cannabis Industry in Chemung County

As unlicensed cannabis shops face increased scrutiny, licensed dispensaries are beginning to take root in the region. According to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, at least 11 licensed dispensary applications have been pre-approved in the Southern Tier, which includes Chemung County.

However, Moss remains skeptical about the potential revenue from licensed dispensaries, stating that it’s “a revenue we could do without.” He explained that the revenue generated from legal cannabis sales must be shared with the municipalities where the dispensaries are located, complicating the distribution of funds. “It’s extra work for the treasurer’s office, and it’s not going to be a significant amount of money.”

Moss also raised concerns about the potential for impaired driving as legal cannabis becomes more accessible. “At the end of the day, we’re going to have people driving after they’ve been smoking weed. I don’t think it’s a good idea, but it’s state law, and we’ll work on shutting down the illegal shops.”

As Chemung County prepares to crack down on unlicensed cannabis businesses, the proposed law aims to strike a balance between enforcing regulations and supporting the emerging legal cannabis industry. With both the county and the City of Elmira working on cannabis legislation, the focus is on ensuring that all businesses selling cannabis products comply with state laws, while also protecting communities from the negative impacts of illegal operations. If the law is passed, it will provide a framework for local authorities to address the growing issue of unlicensed cannabis sales in Chemung County.