New York City Council
Committee on Finance
Sep 17, 2024
·
10:00 AM
3 hr
Summary
A hearing on cannabis enforcement laws in New York City, focusing on Operation Padlock to Protect, which aims to shut down unlicensed cannabis shops.
Discussions covered:
- Enforcement strategies
- Transparency in reporting
- Impact on legal businesses
- Potential due process issues
- Staffing challenges
- The balance between enforcement and supporting the growth of the legal cannabis market.
The hearing also addressed proposed legislation for improved data collection and reporting on enforcement activities.
Features testimony from the NYC Sheriff's Office, the Independent Budget Office (IBO), the New York City Deputy Sheriffs' Association, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Brewer's opening remarks for cannabis oversight hearing (cut off by video)
Council Member Gale A. Brewer notes the lack of cannabis enforcement data in the recent Mayor's Management Report and acknowledges various individuals for their work on the hearing and efforts …
0:00:02
·
71 sec
Council Member Brannan's remarks on cannabis law enforcement and licensing challenges
Council Member Justin L. Brannan, chair of the Finance Committee, addresses the challenges in enforcing cannabis laws and implementing the legal cannabis market in New York City. He emphasizes the …
0:01:14
·
4 min
Council Member Brewer presents data on unlicensed cannabis stores and enforcement
Council Member Gale A. Brewer presents slides showing data on unlicensed cannabis stores in NYC and the enforcement efforts against them. She highlights the large discrepancy between the number of …
0:05:20
·
43 sec
Introduction and overview of Operation Padlock to Protect
Sheriff Anthony Miranda introduces himself and provides an overview of Operation Padlock to Protect, a comprehensive multi-agency operation to address illegal smoke shops and unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in New York …
0:06:51
·
46 sec
Enforcement authority granted to the NYC Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Miranda outlines the specific authority granted to the NYC Sheriff's Office for cannabis enforcement, highlighting the legal basis for their operations. - Authority granted in April 2024 by the …
0:07:38
·
30 sec
Statistics on inspections, seizures, and penalties
Sheriff Miranda presents key statistics demonstrating the scope and impact of Operation Padlock to Protect since its inception. - Over 5,059 inspections conducted in just over 4 months - 1,078 …
0:08:09
·
33 sec
Operational process for inspecting illegal smoke shops
Sheriff Miranda details the strategic approach and operational process for inspecting and shutting down illegal smoke shops and unlicensed cannabis dispensaries. - Prioritization of high-risk locations (e.g., near schools, selling …
0:08:43
·
125 sec
Hearing process for padlocked stores
Sheriff Miranda outlines the legal process following the padlocking of a store, including hearings and decision-making procedures. - Store owners entitled to a hearing before OATH within 5 business days …
0:10:49
·
65 sec
Handling of padlock violations and re-inspections
Sheriff Miranda addresses the issue of stores violating padlock orders and the enforcement response to such violations. - Cutting padlocks is illegal and potentially prosecutable - Re-inspections conducted as soon …
0:11:55
·
24 sec
Challenges with fine collection and enforcement objectives
Sheriff Miranda explains the challenges associated with collecting fines from illegal shops and clarifies the primary objectives of the operation. - Primary objective is to shut down illegal businesses, not …
0:12:21
·
36 sec
Impact on commercial spaces and community quality of life
Sheriff Miranda discusses the broader impacts of Operation Padlock to Protect on communities and commercial spaces across New York City. - Goal to restore community quality of life and support …
0:12:59
·
68 sec
Illegal shops targeting children and selling harmful products
Sheriff Miranda highlights the dangers posed by illegal smoke shops targeting children and selling potentially harmful products. - Shops sell cannabis in packaging resembling snacks, candy, or featuring cartoon characters …
0:14:07
·
30 sec
Weapons and illegal substances found during inspections
Sheriff Miranda reveals the discovery of weapons and additional illegal substances during inspections of unlicensed cannabis shops. - Firearms recovered include shotguns, 9mm, and 40 caliber weapons - Other weapons …
0:14:39
·
24 sec
Community involvement and reporting mechanisms
Sheriff Miranda emphasizes the importance of community partnership in the success of Operation Padlock to Protect and outlines reporting mechanisms for illegal shops. - Council members invited to participate in …
0:15:04
·
77 sec
Discussion of proposed legislation: Intro 557-A and Intro 981
Sheriff Miranda addresses two pieces of proposed legislation related to reporting and data collection for unlicensed cannabis retailers. - Intro 557-A: Would create a new 311 category for reporting unlicensed …
0:16:22
·
125 sec
Conclusion and future outlook of Operation Padlock to Protect
Sheriff Miranda concludes his testimony by summarizing the impact of Operation Padlock to Protect and outlining future plans for the initiative. - Operation has led to safer communities and improved …
0:18:29
·
27 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams addresses challenges in cannabis law enforcement
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams discusses the challenges and concerns surrounding the enforcement of cannabis laws in New York City. He acknowledges the efforts to shut down unlicensed cannabis retailers while …
0:19:20
·
4 min
Enforcement of Local Law 107 on landlords renting to illegal cannabis retailers
Council Member Brewer inquires about the enforcement of Local Law 107 of 2023, which prohibits landlords from knowingly renting commercial space to unlicensed cannabis retailers. Sheriff Miranda explains that they …
0:23:51
·
130 sec
Coordination with other agencies on illegal cannabis operations
Council Member Brewer inquires about the Sheriff's Office's coordination with other agencies regarding illegal cannabis operations, particularly in cases where illegal dwellings are discovered. Sheriff Miranda explains their process for …
0:26:00
·
63 sec
Handling retailers operating outside closed cannabis shops
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about retailers continuing operations outside closed cannabis shops. Sheriff Miranda explains the division of responsibilities between the Sheriff's Office and the NYPD in handling these …
0:27:04
·
73 sec
Nighttime raids on illegal cannabis shops
Council Member Brewer inquires about nighttime raids on illegal cannabis shops that operate during evening hours to evade enforcement. Sheriff Miranda explains the Sheriff's Office's approach to addressing this issue. …
0:28:18
·
56 sec
Enforcement on cannabis-selling trucks
Council Member Brewer raises the issue of trucks selling cannabis illegally and asks about the Sheriff's Office's enforcement actions against these mobile operations. Sheriff Miranda explains their approach to handling …
0:29:14
·
47 sec
Use of 311 for reporting illegal cannabis shops
Council Member Brewer inquires about the use of 311 for reporting illegal cannabis shops, expressing concern about the Sheriff's Office's initial preference for fielding complaints in-house rather than through 311. …
0:30:01
·
91 sec
Language access for reporting illegal cannabis shops
Council Member Brewer raises concerns about language access for non-English speakers when reporting illegal cannabis shops, particularly in relation to the use of 311 versus the Sheriff's Office's email system. …
0:31:32
·
98 sec
Reporting mechanisms for illegal cannabis operations through 311
Council Member Brewer inquires about the process of reporting illegal cannabis operations through 311. Sheriff Miranda confirms that 311 notifications with store addresses and complaint details are currently in use …
0:33:11
·
25 sec
Data analysis resources for Operation Padlock to Protect
Council Member Brewer inquires about the data analysis resources assigned to Operation Padlock to Protect, particularly in relation to Intro 981. Sheriff Miranda explains that while there are no dedicated …
0:33:36
·
71 sec
Software used for tracking and analyzing enforcement data
Council Member Brewer inquires about the software used by the Sheriff's Office to track and analyze enforcement data. Sheriff Miranda explains that they primarily use spreadsheets and are working with …
0:34:47
·
31 sec
Historical approach to enforcing tobacco and e-cigarette violations
Council Member Brewer questions why the Sheriff's Office waited for state law changes before raiding stores for tobacco and e-cigarette violations. Sheriff Miranda explains the differences between past and current …
0:35:18
·
102 sec
Process of collecting fines from illegal cannabis shops
Council Member Brewer inquires about the status of fine collection from illegal cannabis shops. Sheriff Miranda explains the complex process and timeline for fines becoming judgments and the role of …
0:37:01
·
93 sec
Concerns about siloed agencies and the need for better coordination
Council Member Brewer expresses concern about siloed agencies and the need for better coordination in the fine collection process. Sheriff Miranda explains that the process involves multiple agencies with specific …
0:38:34
·
70 sec
Reporting challenges and coordination with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)
Council Member Brewer inquires about reporting challenges and coordination with the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Sheriff Miranda explains the ongoing communication efforts with OCM despite challenges. - The Sheriff's …
0:39:45
·
89 sec
Impact of Operation Padlock to Protect on other Sheriff's Office responsibilities
Council Member Brewer inquires about how Operation Padlock to Protect impacts other Sheriff's Office responsibilities, particularly electronic monitoring. Sheriff Miranda explains that while resources are stretched, they maintain operations across …
0:41:13
·
84 sec
Efforts to address vacant storefronts resulting from shop closures
Council Member Brewer inquires about efforts to address vacant storefronts resulting from cannabis shop closures. Sheriff Miranda explains the Sheriff's Office's involvement in community outreach and information sharing. - The …
0:42:39
·
45 sec
Frequency and nature of task force meetings on cannabis enforcement
Council Member Brewer inquires about the frequency and nature of task force meetings on cannabis enforcement. Sheriff Miranda explains that while there may not be regularly scheduled meetings, there is …
0:43:24
·
64 sec
Staffing and headcount in the NYC Sheriff's Office
Council Member Brannan inquires about the current staffing levels in the NYC Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Miranda provides details on the budgeted headcount, active headcount, and vacancies within the department. - …
0:44:29
·
52 sec
Impact of Operation Padlock on Sheriff's Office responsibilities and hiring
Council Member Brannan inquires about the impact of Operation Padlock on the Sheriff's Office's responsibilities and hiring practices. Sheriff Miranda clarifies the nature of their operations and discusses plans for …
0:45:22
·
103 sec
Composition of the task force for Operation Padlock to Protect
Council Member Brannan inquires about the composition and size of the task force for Operation Padlock to Protect. Sheriff Miranda provides details on the staffing and deployment of the task …
0:47:07
·
94 sec
Interagency cooperation in cannabis enforcement operations
Council Member Brannan inquires about the involvement of other city agencies in the cannabis enforcement operations. Sheriff Miranda provides details on the interagency cooperation and staffing. - The number of …
0:48:47
·
103 sec
Tax revenue from legal marijuana shops
Council Member Brannan inquires about the tax revenue collected from legal marijuana shops. Sheriff Miranda provides estimates for different fiscal years. - In FY 2023, legal cannabis shops brought in …
0:50:31
·
37 sec
Estimated lost revenue from illegal marijuana shops
Council Member Brannan inquires about the estimated revenue lost due to illegal marijuana shops. Sheriff Miranda is unable to provide specific figures. - The Sheriff's Office does not have calculations …
0:51:10
·
50 sec
Cash seizures during inspections of cannabis shops
Council Member Brannan inquires about cash seizures during inspections of cannabis shops. Sheriff Miranda clarifies the process and the role of different agencies. - The Sheriff's Office does not seize …
0:52:05
·
32 sec
Asset forfeiture accounts and use of seized funds
Council Member Brannan inquires about asset forfeiture accounts and the use of seized funds. Sheriff Miranda provides limited information and offers to follow up with more details. - Sheriff Miranda …
0:52:39
·
146 sec
Discussion on budget and staffing needs for NYC Sheriff's Office
Council Member Brannan inquires about the sufficiency of the FY 25 adopted budget for the NYC Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Miranda acknowledges the need for additional resources as the office's responsibilities …
0:55:05
·
81 sec
Clarification on discrepancies in reported civil penalties for unlicensed cannabis shops
Council Member Brannan seeks clarification on the discrepancies between various reported figures for civil penalties issued to unlicensed cannabis shops. Sheriff Miranda explains the differences and provides information on the …
0:56:29
·
131 sec
Update on the status of unlicensed cannabis shop closures and compliance
Council Member Brannan inquires about the current status of unlicensed cannabis shop closures and compliance. Sheriff Miranda provides an update on the progress of their enforcement efforts and the process …
0:58:42
·
79 sec
Explanation of withdrawn ceiling orders and current sealing statistics
Council Member Brannan seeks clarification on the withdrawal of ceiling orders for some stores and the current statistics on sealed locations. Sheriff Miranda provides details on the reasons for withdrawals …
1:00:02
·
136 sec
Explanation of storage and disposal process for seized illicit materials
Council Member Brewer inquires about the process for storage and disposal of seized illicit materials, particularly vape products. Sheriff Miranda explains the complexities involved in the disposal process and the …
1:02:18
·
144 sec
Clarification on transition of disposal responsibilities to NYPD
The discussion focuses on clarifying the transition of disposal responsibilities for seized materials from the Sheriff's Office to the NYPD. Sheriff Miranda provides information on the current status and previous …
1:04:42
·
63 sec
Council member calls for greater clarity in reporting enforcement activities
Council Member Brewer expresses frustration with the lack of clarity in the information provided about enforcement activities and disposal processes. She emphasizes the need for more detailed and organized reporting. …
1:05:45
·
29 sec
Council Member Sanchez questions Sheriff Miranda on cannabis enforcement aftermath and community education
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez engages in a Q&A session with Sheriff Anthony Miranda, focusing on the aftermath of cannabis enforcement activities and community education efforts. They discuss violence following …
1:06:16
·
3 min
Council Member Chi Ossé questions Sheriff Anthony Miranda on the process of identifying and prioritizing unlicensed cannabis shops for inspection
Council Member Chi Ossé questions Sheriff Anthony Miranda about the process of identifying, listing, and prioritizing unlicensed cannabis shops for inspection by the NYC Sheriff's Office. Miranda explains that complaints …
1:09:55
·
3 min
Follow-up actions on illegal activity outside padlocked cannabis shops
Council Member Banks inquires about follow-up actions on illegal activity occurring outside padlocked cannabis shops. Sheriff Miranda explains the jurisdictional boundaries between the Sheriff's Office and the NYPD in addressing …
1:13:32
·
121 sec
Tracking and reporting systems for padlocked cannabis stores
Council Member Banks inquires about the availability of virtual tracking systems for padlocked stores and notification processes for council members and community boards. Sheriff Miranda explains the current practices and …
1:15:34
·
81 sec
Resources for illegal cannabis operators to enter the legal market
Council Member Banks inquires about resources available for illegal cannabis operators who want to transition to the legal market. Sheriff Miranda provides information on available resources and shares insights on …
1:16:55
·
3 min
Signage removal requirements for padlocked cannabis stores
Council Member Banks inquires about the requirements for removing signage from padlocked cannabis stores. Sheriff Miranda explains the process for signage removal. - There is no immediate requirement for the …
1:20:49
·
35 sec
Regulations on cannabis shop locations near day care centers
Council Member Banks inquires about regulations for cannabis shop locations near day care centers. Sheriff Miranda explains the prioritization process for complaints and inspections. - The law provides specific circumstances …
1:21:24
·
62 sec
Arrests and referrals during cannabis shop inspections
Council Member Nantasha Williams inquires about arrests made during inspections of unlicensed cannabis shops. Sheriff Anthony Miranda explains that arrests are not made for cannabis-related violations but for other illegal …
1:22:29
·
102 sec
Geographic focus and prioritization of cannabis enforcement
Council Member Williams inquires about the Sheriff's Office's strategy for prioritizing enforcement in certain areas. Sheriff Miranda explains their approach to geographic enforcement and prioritization. - Enforcement priorities include locations …
1:24:49
·
3 min
Proactive measures vs. complaint-based enforcement of cannabis regulations
Council Member Williams seeks clarification on the Sheriff's Office's approach to enforcement, particularly regarding proactive measures versus complaint-based actions. Sheriff Miranda elaborates on their processes for identifying and prioritizing enforcement …
1:28:05
·
3 min
Council Member Salaam questions Sheriff Miranda on cannabis enforcement and 311 reports
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about the response time to marijuana-related 311 reports and the number of unlicensed cannabis shops being inspected or padlocked weekly. Sheriff Anthony Miranda provides information …
1:31:22
·
3 min
Council member Holden questions Sheriff Miranda about illegal cannabis shops and enforcement challenges
Council Member Robert F. Holden questions Sheriff Anthony Miranda about the nature of illegal cannabis shops in New York City and the challenges in shutting them down. They discuss the …
1:34:46
·
3 min
Council Member Brannan questions Sheriff Miranda on cannabis shop enforcement data
Council Member Justin L. Brannan questions Sheriff Anthony Miranda about enforcement data related to unlicensed cannabis shops, particularly those near schools. The Sheriff provides some information but acknowledges gaps in …
1:38:08
·
87 sec
Council Member Brewer questions Sheriff Miranda on illegal cannabis shop closures and data reporting
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a Q&A session with Sheriff Anthony Miranda regarding the progress of Operation Padlock in closing illegal cannabis shops. They discuss the discrepancies in …
1:39:36
·
3 min
Challenges with new and relocated illegal cannabis shops
Sheriff Miranda discusses the ongoing challenges with illegal cannabis shops, including the possibility of new shops opening and existing ones relocating after being sealed. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance …
1:43:35
·
29 sec
Tax investigations and referrals for illegal cannabis operations
Sheriff Miranda explains the process of tax investigations and referrals related to illegal cannabis operations. He highlights the collaboration between different agencies and the confidential nature of these investigations. - …
1:44:05
·
88 sec
Reasons for dismissals of violations against illegal cannabis shops
Sheriff Miranda explains the various reasons for the dismissal of about 14% of violations issued to illegal cannabis shops. He highlights the evolving nature of enforcement and legal challenges. - …
1:45:33
·
44 sec
Adaptations in training and documentation for cannabis enforcement
Sheriff Miranda outlines the changes being made to training and documentation processes in response to challenges in enforcing cannabis laws. These adaptations aim to improve the effectiveness of enforcement actions. …
1:46:17
·
24 sec
Challenges in serving notices to illegal cannabis shops
Sheriff Miranda discusses the difficulties in serving notices to the appropriate person in authority at illegal cannabis shops. He explains how the enforcement process is adapting to various scenarios and …
1:46:59
·
87 sec
Continuous updates to enforcement training based on field experiences
Sheriff Miranda describes how the training for enforcement teams is continuously updated based on new challenges encountered in the field and feedback from hearings. This adaptive approach aims to improve …
1:48:26
·
34 sec
Current record-keeping practices for cannabis-related violations
Sheriff Miranda explains the current state of record-keeping for cannabis-related violations, highlighting the manual nature of the process and efforts to modernize it. He also mentions ongoing work with the …
1:49:13
·
41 sec
Impact of Bell Corp decision on sealing orders and summons
Sheriff Miranda discusses the implications of the recent Bell Corp court decision on the relationship between summons dismissals and sealing orders. He notes that there are differing interpretations of the …
1:49:55
·
51 sec
Evolving policies and procedures for Operation Padlock to Protect
Sheriff Miranda explains how policies and procedures for Operation Padlock to Protect are continuously evolving to meet the challenges of enforcing regulations on illegal cannabis storefronts. He emphasizes the ongoing …
1:50:49
·
57 sec
Potential sharing of Sheriff's Office training manual
Council Member Brewer inquires about the possibility of sharing the Sheriff's Office training manual, similar to how the police department shares their guide. Sheriff Miranda indicates a willingness to consider …
1:52:05
·
18 sec
Ongoing efforts to digitize paperwork with OTI
Council Member Brewer and Sheriff Miranda briefly discuss the ongoing efforts to digitize paperwork in collaboration with the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI). This initiative aims to improve accuracy …
1:52:23
·
19 sec
Response to media criticism and internal investigations
Council Member Brewer brings up recent media criticism of the Sheriff's Office, particularly referencing a Daily News article. Sheriff Miranda provides a brief response regarding internal investigations and personnel matters. …
1:52:42
·
57 sec
Overview of NYC Sheriff's Office responsibilities and structure
Ingrid Simonovic, president of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs' Association, provides an overview of the Sheriff's Office structure and responsibilities. - The office has three sections: Operations, Intelligence, and …
1:55:46
·
128 sec
Criticism of Sheriff Anthony Miranda's leadership style
Ingrid Simonovic criticizes Sheriff Anthony Miranda's leadership, accusing him of abusing his authority and mistreating deputies. - Miranda is accused of disrespecting deputies' rights and retaliating against those who challenge …
1:57:55
·
126 sec
Impact of Operation Padlock on deputies' work schedules
Ingrid Simonovic details how Operation Padlock, the cannabis enforcement initiative, has negatively impacted deputies' work schedules and workload. - Deputies are now working up to 12-hour days with limited rest …
2:00:01
·
76 sec
Prioritization of cannabis shop closures over other critical duties
Ingrid Simonovic criticizes the prioritization of cannabis shop closures over other critical duties of the Sheriff's Office. - Many closed cannabis shops are reopening, making the enforcement efforts seem futile …
2:01:18
·
102 sec
Deputy retention issues and reasons for departures
Ingrid Simonovic highlights the significant issue of deputy retention within the Sheriff's Office. - Approximately 43 deputies have left in the last two years - Only about 26 new deputies …
2:03:03
·
28 sec
Health concerns related to improper storage of seized cannabis
Ingrid Simonovic raises concerns about the health impact of improperly stored seized cannabis on deputies. - Seized marijuana is being stored unsafely and improperly at a warehouse in Queens - …
2:03:32
·
19 sec
Criticism of recent high-level hires and resource allocation
Ingrid Simonovic criticizes recent high-level hires in the Sheriff's Office and questions the allocation of resources. - Two new chiefs, Willie Perez and Mr. Egan, were hired for a combined …
2:03:52
·
42 sec
Calls for committee investigation and increased accountability
Ingrid Simonovic concludes by calling for committee investigation and increased accountability for the Sheriff's Office. - Requests an investigation into personnel deployment and prioritization of operations - Calls for an …
2:04:35
·
87 sec
Council Member Brewer questions NYC Deputy Sheriffs' Association President about staffing and operational challenges
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a discussion with Ingrid Simonovic, President of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs' Association, about staffing issues, training challenges, and operational impacts within …
2:06:02
·
3 min
Council Member Holden questions storage conditions and staffing issues in the Sheriff's Office
Council Member Robert F. Holden questions Ingrid Simonovic, President of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs' Association, about the dangerous conditions of cannabis storage and staffing issues within the Sheriff's …
2:10:02
·
3 min
Council Member Brewer questions Deputy Sheriffs' Association President about data transparency and enforcement practices
Council Member Gale A. Brewer questions Ingrid Simonovic, President of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs' Association, about data transparency, reporting practices, and enforcement methods related to unlicensed cannabis shops. …
2:13:45
·
127 sec
Introduction and background on IBO's cannabis research
Alaina Turnquist, an economic development budget and policy analyst from the NYC Independent Budget Office (IBO), introduces herself and provides context for her testimony. She mentions recent IBO reports on …
2:16:38
·
49 sec
IBO's estimates of NYC's legal cannabis market size and tax revenue
The IBO provides estimates for the potential size and fiscal impact of New York City's legal cannabis market at maturity. - IBO's most recent update in May 2024 estimated annual …
2:17:27
·
19 sec
Factors affecting cannabis market estimates and methodology
The IBO explains the various factors that impact their cannabis market estimates and describes their estimation methodology. - Factors include the pace of opening licensed dispensaries, consumer preferences, enforcement of …
2:17:46
·
61 sec
Challenges in pinpointing future cannabis market size
The IBO outlines several challenges in accurately predicting the future size of the cannabis market in New York City. - New York's unique licensing requirements have resulted in a slower …
2:18:48
·
46 sec
Cannabis tax revenue in context and impact of unlicensed shops
The IBO puts cannabis tax revenue in context of overall city revenue and discusses the impact of unlicensed smoke shops. - Even at the highest projection of $200 million, cannabis …
2:19:35
·
54 sec
Current and projected cannabis tax revenue collections
The IBO provides information on current cannabis tax revenue collections and projections for future years. - New York City collected $2.4 million in cannabis tax in fiscal year 2024 - …
2:20:30
·
45 sec
Community reinvestment grants from cannabis revenue
The IBO discusses the potential for additional revenue from community reinvestment grants funded by state cannabis tax revenue. - Grants will be awarded to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition …
2:21:16
·
46 sec
Recent state budget updates affecting cannabis in NYC
The IBO outlines recent state budget items relevant to cannabis taxation and enforcement in New York City. - The 2025 state budget expanded and clarified powers of local law enforcement …
2:22:04
·
76 sec
Conclusion and IBO's ongoing monitoring of the cannabis market
The IBO concludes its testimony by stating its commitment to ongoing monitoring of the legal cannabis market and tax revenue collections in New York City. - IBO will continue to …
2:23:20
·
8 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about cannabis taxation and legal dispensary projections
Council Member Gale A. Brewer engages in a Q&A session with Alaina Turnquist from the NYC Independent Budget Office, discussing cannabis taxation and projections for legal dispensaries in New York …
2:23:31
·
175 sec
Testimony by Lance Lazzaro, Attorney from The Lazzaro Law Firm LLC, on Enforcement of Cannabis Laws
Lance Lazzaro, an attorney representing smoke shops, testified about issues with the enforcement of cannabis laws in NYC. He argued that the current statute gives too much power to the …
2:29:27
·
5 min
Testimony by Nadia Kahnauth, Attorney at Kahnauth Law Group PLLC, on Enforcement of Cannabis Laws
Nadia Kahnauth, an attorney representing convenience stores, bodegas, and smoke shops, testified about concerns regarding the enforcement of cannabis laws in NYC. She highlighted issues with asset recovery, lack of …
2:34:57
·
4 min
Testimony by Anoor Luk, Business Owner, on Illegal Tobacco and Cannabis Stores
Anoor Luk, a business owner in Chelsea for 26 years, testifies about the negative impact of illegal stores on his legal tobacco business. He describes how these unlicensed shops have …
2:39:40
·
109 sec
Testimony by Michael Zaytsev, Academic Director of Business of Cannabis Degree Programs at LIM College
Michael Zaytsev, Academic Director at LIM College, testified in support of proposed initiatives to address illicit cannabis stores in NYC, but emphasized that more comprehensive action is needed. He highlighted …
2:42:21
·
3 min
Testimony by Jeffrey Hoffman, Attorney at Jeffrey Hoffman & Associates PLLC, on NYC Cannabis Enforcement and Industry Development
Jeffrey Hoffman, an attorney specializing in legal New York Cannabis, provided testimony on the state of cannabis enforcement and industry development in NYC. He addressed the impact of enforcement efforts …
2:45:38
·
3 min
Testimony by Toni Smith, New York State Director of Drug Policy Alliance, on Cannabis Market and Enforcement
Toni Smith, representing the Drug Policy Alliance, testified on the successes of New York's cannabis market under the MRTA, emphasizing its commitment to social equity and small businesses. She cautioned …
2:50:01
·
137 sec
Testimony by David Nicponski, CEO of Freshly Baked NYC, on Enforcement of Cannabis Laws
David Nicponski, CEO of Freshly Baked NYC and board member of the New York Cannabis Retail Association, testified about the ongoing issues with unlicensed cannabis retail sales and insufficient enforcement …
2:52:29
·
3 min
Testimony by Jacqueline Tellez, Representative of New York Association of Wholesalers And Distributors
Jacqueline Tellez, representing the New York Association of Wholesalers And Distributors, testified about the illegal sale of untaxed cigarettes and flavored e-cigarettes in unlicensed stores throughout New York City. She …
2:56:02
·
3 min
