A smoke shop located at 15 Palisade Ave in Yonkers was inspected by the Yonkers Police Department last week. During the search, police found numerous violations in addition to a stockpile of illegal substances hidden in a back room. The substances included illegal THC edibles, vape pens, cannabis, and other items filling three large boxes.
New York State decriminalized the recreational use of marijuana in 2021. Licenses for businesses to sell related substances began to be issued at the start of this year. However many, including the YPD, bemoan the lack of guidance and support the state has provided on the day-to-day regulation of the businesses in these communities.
“When the NYS Legislature decriminalized cannabis, they did so without providing any structural support to local municipalities who are now dealing with the consequent quality-of-life issues.”
This is not the first bust that the Yonkers Police have conducted in recent months. In October 2022, three smoke shops were inspected and shut down over similar violations. The problem has become so common that the YPD created a team specifically to combat this issue. That team is known as the “City of Yonkers Smoke Shop Task Force” and they have been busy making headlines every month.
Despite the efforts and dedication that the YPD has invested in deterring illegal cannabis-related activities, this whack-a-mole approach is unlikely to produce change. More comprehensive solutions from the local to the state level are likely required to prevent these now-common violations. From a recent statement, the YPD said that “[their] goal is not to hurt small businesses and building owners; however, we will not allow unlawful premises to impact the quality of life of our communities.”
