Illegal Cannabis Shop Owners Challenge Adams’ Crackdown on Unlicensed NYC Pot Stores

On Thursday, June 13th, a group of unlicensed cannabis shop owners filed a federal class-action lawsuit against New York City, contesting the Adams administration’s crackdown on illegal marijuana dispensaries. The plaintiffs argue that the city’s extensive raids on unlicensed pot shops, which have resulted in the closure of hundreds of stores across the five boroughs, violate their due process rights.

Mayor Eric Adams initiated “Operation Padlock to Protect” in early May, following state reforms that permitted the NYPD and the city sheriff’s office to padlock stores suspected of selling cannabis without a license immediately, bypassing the need for a court order. The operation has since led to the closure of over 300 stores and the seizure of more than $10.4 million worth of products, along with $23 million in fines.

“Legal Cannabis remains the right choice for our city, but to those who choose to break the law – we will shut you down,” Mayor Adams declared. Despite the crackdown, the lawsuit contends that the city’s actions lack judicial oversight, making the process unconstitutional.

The shop owners, represented by Brooklyn attorney Lance Lazzaro, claim that allowing the sheriff’s office to act as judge and jury in these matters deprives them of fair legal proceedings. “Shutting down places and ignoring the rights of ordinary people is not the way the system is supposed to work – it’s wrong,” Lazzaro said. He emphasized that due process has been ignored and that hearings should be conducted in a court of law with an impartial judge.

City Hall spokesperson Liz Garcia defended the initiative, stating, “The Adams administration has been clear that the purpose of ‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ is to close down illegal cannabis and smoke shops to protect New Yorkers and better support the legal market by allowing justice-impacted and other legal cannabis business owners to thrive.” Garcia noted that over 350 shops have been sealed thus far, marking significant progress in protecting communities from dangerous, illegal products.

The lawsuit also highlights the collateral damage caused by the crackdown, citing examples where innocent business owners, such as those running spas and bike shops, have been affected due to their proximity to unlicensed dispensaries. Despite these challenges, the city maintains that its efforts are necessary to support the legal cannabis market and ensure public safety.

Governor Kathy Hochul is also working to expedite the licensing process for legal cannabis vendors, with 133 licensed dispensaries already open statewide. The state’s Office of Cannabis Management is undergoing an overhaul to facilitate this process.

As the legal battle unfolds, the Adams administration continues to promote the benefits of its crackdown, asserting that it will ultimately create a safer and more regulated cannabis market in New York City.