by Greg Floyd
Monday, February 6th 2023
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ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — They are called sticker stores, and one could pop up near you at any time.
They are unlicensed retail operations that sell cannabis products, they are also unregulated and they are not providing any revenue to the state, as legal cannabis shops will be doing this year.
A loophole was discovered in the law that allows them to sell things like stickers at an exorbitant price, and then "give away" cannabis as part of the sale.
There's an effort now in the State Legislature to pass a bill that would crack down by creating new regulations, along with criminal and civil penalties.
A joint statement from State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning), and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R-Big Flats) reads
“New York State needs to stop the proliferation of illegal marijuana ‘sticker stores’ throughout the region we represent and statewide. These illegal operations diminish the quality of life and risk the safety of the communities and neighborhoods where they operate. New York State is establishing a legal and appropriately regulated network of adult-use recreational marijuana dispensaries, with all the necessary safeguards. While we opposed the legalization of marijuana from the outset, if it’s going to go forward, it needs to take place under a legally established system with the appropriate oversight. We need to make it clear that these illegal sticker stores cannot operate and that there are criminal and civil consequences for any owners who continue to do so.”
It's not clear how much Democratic support the measure has.
