The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has released its 2024 Annual Report on cannabis enforcement actions, highlighting the agency’s continued success in tackling the illicit cannabis market across the state.
The report, as required by Article 2, Section 11(15) of the Cannabis Law, includes detailed information on enforcement efforts, in collaboration with the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF), to shut down illegal cannabis operations and ensure compliance within the legal cannabis market. Enforcement actions have intensified significantly following the enactment of key legislation in May 2023, empowering OCM and DTF to take stronger actions against the sale of illicit cannabis, including increasing civil and tax penalties of up to $20,000 per day for violations.
The launch of the Governor’s Illicit Cannabis Enforcement Task Force in May 2024, a collaboration between over 20 state agencies, played a key role in the effort. The Task Force has worked with landlords to evict illegal dispensaries, resulting in the sealing, and padlocking of approximately 350 unlicensed cannabis storefronts across New York State.
These efforts have directly benefited the legal cannabis market. Following the enforcement actions, legal cannabis sales in New York City surged by 72% over a 10-week period, with retailers reporting a collective $2.6 million increase in weekly revenue.
“Illicit markets know how to adapt to change and challenge—and so, OCM’s enforcement efforts will continue the bring the heat to unregulated operators,” said Felicia A.B. Reid, Acting Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. “The integrity and opportunity of New York’s legal cannabis market is what’s at stake, and with stakes that high, OCM will continue to be relentless in its investigations, compliance, and enforcement work.”
The OCM’s enforcement team conducted over 1,200 inspections of suspected unlicensed cannabis dispensaries from December 1, 2023, to November 1, 2024. These inspections resulted in the seizure of over $67 million worth of illicit cannabis products, including 6,929 lbs of cannabis flower, 608 lbs of concentrates, and 9,106 lbs of cannabis edibles.
Additionally, the OCM has continued to work in close coordination with local and state law enforcement agencies, including local police departments and the Office of the Attorney General, to shut down illicit cannabis activities statewide. As of the end of 2023, inspections and re-inspections have been completed across all regions of New York, ensuring that businesses comply with the state’s cannabis laws.
In support of these efforts, the OCM introduced new emergency regulations in September 2024, expanding the agency’s authority to padlock illegal cannabis operations when necessary. These regulations have allowed the agency to target businesses engaged in illegal cannabis activity and close those that pose an imminent threat to public safety.
Looking ahead, the OCM remains committed to enhancing its enforcement efforts in 2025 and beyond. The agency will continue to work with its partners to remove illicit cannabis businesses from the market and prevent the illegal distribution of cannabis products that could harm consumers.
“By taking decisive action against unlicensed cannabis businesses, OCM holds illicit operators accountable,” said Daniel Haughney, Director of Enforcement and Investigations for OCM. “We are committed to closing all unregulated stores to protect public health, keep cannabis out of the hands of young people, and support the hard work of the legal cannabis industry.”
For more information about the OCM Enforcement Report, visit here,
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) oversees the regulation of New York’s cannabis industry, ensuring the establishment of a safe, equitable, and well-regulated market. The agency works to regulate and enforce the state’s cannabis laws, fostering economic growth while promoting public health and safety. OCM’s mission is to create a legal cannabis marketplace that benefits all New Yorkers, including ensuring equitable opportunities for communities impacted by past cannabis policies. Through collaboration with local and state law enforcement, industry stakeholders, and other agencies, OCM is committed to the continued success of New York’s cannabis market. For more information, visit cannabis.ny.gov.
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