'No Tolerance For Illicit Retailers' Says NY Gov Hochul, New Jersey's Underage Intoxication Laws And More

Governor Kathy Hochul, New York AG Letitia James and the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) closed down Big Chief Smoke Shop in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for selling unregulated cannabis products without a license.

This marks the ninth unlicensed cannabis store shut down this year, with penalties potentially reaching millions of dollars for the store owner.

"We have no tolerance for illicit retailers who break the law and undermine our nation-leading adult-use cannabis industry," Governor Hochul said.

"This site egregiously violated New York's cannabis laws and I'm proud to be working with the Attorney General to shut this down. With Brooklyn's first legal cannabis retailers opening this month and illegal shops continuing to close, we are turning the corner towards building a stronger, safer cannabis industry."

New Jersey Grapples With Rules On Underage Drinking,  Cannabis Use in Public

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a proposal that would repeal a law preventing criminal penalties and parental notification for underage alcohol and cannabis consumption in public.

If approved, the measure would allow police to issue $100 fines and require parental notification for those under 18, aiming to address concerns about rowdy underage parties and public intoxication. The move faces opposition from various groups, including supporters of cannabis legalization and criminal justice advocates.

Delaware Considers Expanding Medical Marijuana Access Ahead Of 

Adult-Use Sales

Delaware is considering a bill that would allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana for any condition they believe it could benefit, removing the requirement for specific qualifying conditions.

Additionally, patients aged 65 or older could self-certify their need for medical marijuana. The bill also proposes extending the expiration dates for registry cards and providing reciprocity for out-of-state patients.

However, advocates told Marijuana Moment that high prices at the state's dispensaries remain a significant issue for patients, and they expect prices to decrease once adult-use cannabis sales begin in late 2024 or early 2025.

Nebraska Activists Gain Momentum In Medical Marijuana Legalization Drive For 2024 Ballot

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM) reported significant progress in collecting signatures for two medical marijuana legalization initiatives for the 2024 ballot.

Hight Times reported they have already gained signatures from 16 counties and are working to close the gap in four more by the end of the year. Despite opposition from Governor Jim Pillen, NMM is encouraging supporters to send in signed petitions.

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