The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act passed the NYS legislature and was signed into law in 2021, and New York City's first LEGAL dispensaries are now operating. Unfortunately, so are hundreds of locations across the city selling unlicensed and illegal cannabis and tobacco products. Brooklyn Heights is not exempt from this problem. The BHA is working to better understand and the issues and regulatory framework around marijuana sales so that we can advocate appropriately for the community. The Manhattan D.A. recently sent over 400 letters to businesses illegally selling cannabis - warning them of the potential for eviction and the NYS legislature is working on changes to the 2021 law which would make it easier to shut down unlicensed stores and dispensaries. What can you do if you are concerned about this issue? You can file a complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection if you suspect a store of unlicensed activities relating to tobacco and e-cigarettes. For oversight issues related to marijuana sales, you can write to the NYS Office of Cannabis Management: complaints@ocm.my.gov You can also attend a meeting of the Cannabis Control Board or sign up to watch a livestream of the meeting. The next meeting is April 3 @ 10am at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. Anyone can submit a public comment to the Board here. Use the button below to learn more about the Cannabis Control Board and how to attend a meeting live or virtually. You can also sign up to receive updates from the Office of Cannabis Management. |
