New York Officials Shut Down Unlicensed Cannabis Shop Amid Brooklyn’s Legal Market Expansion

NEW YORK- In a decisive move by New York state authorities, Big Chief Smoke Shop, an unlicensed cannabis retailer operating in Brooklyn, has been forcibly shut down. This action, led by Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), aligns with the state’s stringent regulations and the burgeoning legal cannabis market. The closure occurred just a day before Brooklyn welcomed its first officially licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary, marking a significant shift in the local cannabis landscape.

Since at least November 2022, Big Chief Smoke Shop has been distributing cannabis products without a valid license, a clear violation of New York’s cannabis laws. This was confirmed by a press release from the Governor’s office. The establishment had already been on the radar of officials, as evidenced by previous inspections in August and October. During these visits, the shop received Notices of Violation and Orders to Cease Unlicensed Activity. Furthermore, authorities reportedly seized over 600 pounds of untagged cannabis and related products across both inspections.

The closure of Big Chief Smoke Shop is not an isolated measure. State officials are also pursuing penalties against both the shop’s owner and the property owner for their roles in facilitating unlicensed cannabis sales. This underscores New York’s firm stance against unregulated cannabis operations, as emphasized by Gov. Hochul in her statement. She expressed pride in collaborating with the Attorney General to eradicate such illegal activities, viewing it as a crucial step in establishing a more robust and secure cannabis industry in the state.

Attorney General Letitia James echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of public health and safety in the regulation of cannabis sales. She stressed the need for consumer assurance regarding the quality and safety of cannabis products, achievable only through a regulated and licensed marketplace.

In contrast to the closure of Big Chief Smoke Shop, Brooklyn’s legal cannabis market witnessed a positive development with the opening of Grow Together, the borough’s first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary. This opening, reported by Brooklyn Paper, signifies a new era for the cannabis industry in Brooklyn, offering a legal, regulated alternative to unlicensed outlets.

The contrasting events in Brooklyn—the closure of an unlicensed retailer and the opening of a licensed dispensary—reflect New York’s commitment to fostering a controlled and safe cannabis market, balancing enforcement actions with the promotion of legal, regulated enterprises.