More than 4,000 Products Totaling More than $60,000 Containing Unregulated Marijuana, THC, and Vapes Confiscated Over the Past Nine Months from Smoke Shops Found Non-Compliant in the City of Yonkers
On Wednesday, December 11th Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano called on New York State for immediate regulation of smoke shops selling marijuana and vape products without a state-issued license.
“The spread of unregulated cannabis dispensaries undermines our City’s efforts to foster a safe, lawful, and sustainable industry,” said Mayor Spano. “This is a direct result of inadequate oversight. I am calling on New York State to take swift and decisive action to shut down these illegal operations and create a regulatory framework that prioritizes accountability, equity, and community well-being.”
On November 26, 2024, Yonkers Police inspected 148 McLean Avenue and found the business did not possess a New York State Dispensary License. Cannabis was seized from the premises and three summonses were given to the business owner.
Earlier this year, on July 1, the same location was identified and inspected for the illegal sale of cannabis, hemp, and vape products. Nine summonses were given to the business.
From March 2024 to November 2024, the City’s Smoke Shop Task Force, comprised of Yonkers Police, Yonkers Fire, and members of the Department of Housing and Buildings along with the City’s Consumer Protection Bureau, have confiscated more than $60,000 worth of unregulated products.
Many of these shops remain open.
“We try to manage and close down these shops by enforcing building codes,” said Mayor Spano. “It’s not enough. We need the State to tighten the laws, and give us better enforcement measures so they cannot re-open. They need to reconsider any location known for selling these products illegally and prohibit those businesses from being granted licenses in the future.”
“Some of these products are being targeted toward children and a lot of it is in plain sight. That’s a reckless disregard for public safety and the community at large,” said Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “It is crucial to ensure our children are not being marketed these products. We also want to ensure what our residents are purchasing is regulated, so they know what they are buying.”
Mayor Spano also is raising concerns about the over-saturation of legalized shops in parts of the City. According to the Yonkers Department of Housing and Buildings, there are six smoke shops located along the same corridor of Central Park Avenue within a 7-mile distance.
“Granting licenses to shops in such close proximity to each other is irresponsible. The Office of Cannabis Management needs to partner with local governments so we can create a market that operates responsibly and protects the integrity of the City,” Mayor Spano said.
