Brookhaven Town’s First Legal Cannabis Dispensary Faces Cease-and-Desist Order Ahead of Grand Opening

OG article

June 19, 2025

Strong Strains, the first legal cannabis dispensary in Brookhaven Town, New York, has been issued a cease-and-desist letter by the property management of Northgate Plaza at Stony Brook Condominium, threatening closure just days before its scheduled grand opening on June 21, 2025. The letter, dated June 9, 2025, coincided with the dispensary’s soft opening and was sent by attorney Brian Egan, representing the condominium association.

The letter alleges that Strong Strains is violating the property’s rules, which prohibit “activities that violate federal laws.” Despite cannabis being legal for adult use under New York State law and supported by Brookhaven Town regulations, it remains illegal under federal law. The property’s bylaws restrict usage to “offices, research facilities, laboratories, or light industrial purposes” or other uses approved in writing by the association. The letter states, “The use of the unit as a cannabis dispensary does not comply with these approved uses, and you did not receive written approval from the Association for this nonconforming use.” It demands that Strong Strains cease operations by June 23, 2025, threatening legal action if the business fails to comply.

Strong Strains holds a valid operating license from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), as confirmed by the OCM’s database. News 12 contacted the OCM for comment but has not received a response. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico clarified the town’s position, stating, “This owner has all the necessary approvals from Brookhaven Town. The issues between him and the industrial condominium association are a private conflict in which the town has no role.”

Local residents expressed varied perspectives. Charlie Garra of South Setauket supported the business, saying, “If it’s a legal business, let them make money.” Matt Wise of Port Jefferson added, “Having it from a licensed place is a lot better than getting it off the street.”

The owner of Strong Strains has not yet responded to inquiries from News 12. However, the dispensary’s social media indicates that it plans to proceed with its grand opening on Saturday, despite the looming deadline to vacate. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal cannabis regulations and the challenges faced by legal cannabis businesses in navigating local property agreements.