Federal Judge Denies Halt on NYC Cannabis Crackdown

New York City's crackdown on unlicensed cannabis sellers, which has led to the closure of 640 illicit shops since May, continues after a federal judge denied a request to halt the enforcement. The judge found that the city's actions have a substantial government interest in protecting public safety and preventing risks to minors posed by unregulated cannabis sales. Despite claims of due process violations by 27 retailers, the judge determined that existing laws provide adequate procedural protections. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the administration's commitment to shutting down illegal cannabis businesses to safeguard New Yorkers, particularly young individuals. The crackdown is part of efforts to address public health concerns related to unlicensed cannabis shops and ensure compliance with state laws.