The city’s cannabis enforcement teams have taken decisive action by raiding and closing down an illegal pot shop nestled in the heart of a Queens neighborhood’s bustling business district. This operation is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ recently announced crackdown on illegal cannabis activities across New York City.
Shutdown at Western Green
The unlicensed “Western Green” smoke shop, located at 81-27 Lefferts Blvd. in Kew Gardens, was shut down by the Big Apple Sheriff’s Office and the NYPD. Authorities seized various illegal marijuana products, including flower and edibles, packaged in enticing designs targeted at young consumers.
Mayor’s Crackdown Initiative
Mayor Eric Adams initiated this crackdown to enforce a tougher new state law aimed at closing an estimated 2,900 unlicensed cannabis shops in the city, reflecting a commitment to upholding legal regulations in the burgeoning cannabis industry.
Community Opposition
Community leaders, such as those on Community Board 9, including Kew Gardens, have expressed opposition to the opening of new state-licensed marijuana shops until all illegal smoke shops are eradicated, highlighting community concerns about public safety and regulatory compliance.
Civic Leaders’ Statements
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards acknowledged the efforts of the “cannabis cops” in shutting down illegal operations, noting the gradual decline of unauthorized shops. However, he emphasized that authorities are still grappling with the scale of the issue, given the prevalence of unlicensed stores.
Illegal Product Discovery
During the raid, authorities discovered products like the “Malibu Cherry Pie,” packaged with vibrant colors and featuring popular characters like Barbie, designed to appeal to younger demographics. The absence of required permits and tax evasion further underscores the illicit nature of these operations.
Source of Illegal Products
Illegal cannabis products confiscated during the raid were reported to originate from various regions, including California, Mexico, Canada, and the Middle East, reflecting the global nature of illicit cannabis trade.
Flavored Vapes and Packaging
Authorities also uncovered flavored vape products, which are prohibited, alongside cannabis packaged in misleading containers resembling familiar food brands, violating regulations aimed at deterring youth consumption.
Government Response and Reform
In response to regulatory challenges and inefficiencies, Governor Kathy Hochul called for an overhaul of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to expedite the licensing process for legal cannabis stores, following a critical report highlighting agency shortcomings.
The raid on the illegal pot shop in Queens signals a proactive stance by city authorities in combating illicit cannabis activities. As enforcement efforts intensify and regulatory reforms are pursued, New York City aims to foster a legal cannabis market that prioritizes public safety, compliance, and responsible consumption.
