Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) joined colleagues across the aisle and advocates from New York’s Cannabis Industry in support of a proposal A9520, which would revoke licenses to sell cigarettes, tobacco products, alcohol and lottery tickets for the possession or sale of illicit cannabis in violation of the cannabis law.

More than 1,500 statewide shops are illegally selling cannabis products and there currently are no laws in place that would adequately hold them accountable. This proposal is important because it would send a clear message to tobacco retailers, smoke shops, bodegas and delis that the consequences for their illegal actions are not limited to fines, arrests or seizures of illicit cannabis but also would directly impact their privilege to possess a tobacco, liquor or gaming license and ultimately their livelihoods.

“We need to do everything in our power to stop the illicit sale of cannabis within our communities and throughout New York State,” said Maher. “Whether you support the legalization of recreational cannabis or not, we can all agree that the black market that exists today is dangerous and needs to be addressed.That is why many of my colleagues and I have joined a bipartisan effort in the Assembly and the Senate to crack down on this issue.We all must understand that an illicit cannabis market allows for more opportunities to lace products with fentanyl and xylazine which we know continues to kill our loved ones in every corner of our state.This legislation, along with other proposals to allow local law enforcement to crack down on this black market must be adopted into law as soon as possible.Every minute we wait could cost another New Yorker their life.”