NYC’s Latest Crackdown on Illegal Weed Shops Finally Gets Them Shut Down

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of illegal marijuana shops have flourished in New York City under lax enforcement, but new rules allow officials to quickly close down the doors. The state has legalized recreational use of the drug, but for years law enforcement officials have been unable to shut down illegal pot shops without a protracted legal battle. Officials have tried expanding inspection powers and sending letters to landlords, but most shops have remained open. New rules passed earlier this year allow sheriffs to keep shops locked down in most cases during appeals. Licensed vendors say they are seeing a big boost in sales as illegal shops around them close, but the estimated 2,000 illegal shops in New York City still outnumber the 150 legally open shops statewide.