New York Shutters Over 1,000 Illegal Cannabis Shops Following Licensing Failures

Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams announce enforcement success despite initial rollout issues.

Operation Padlock led to the closure of around 750 unlicensed weed shops in NYC.
Statewide crackdown resulted in the shutdown of over 1,000 illegal cannabis stores.
Officials seized more than $63 million in illicit products during the enforcement.
Sales at licensed cannabis stores increased by 72% following the crackdown.
Legal challenges and reopening of some shops highlight ongoing enforcement difficulties.