Two smoke shops in the City of Newburgh are the latest businesses cited by the state for the alleged sale of “illicit cannabis.”
News 12 found violation notices issued by the New York state Office of Cannabis Management at the smoke shops, Puff Puff Pass and Soljie’s, on Broadway after receiving a tip from a viewer.
A worker behind the counter at Puff Puff Pass didn’t want to talk about the notice and followed News 12 out of the store, demanding to see the camera that the crew was recording on.
“I want you to erase it, I’m not kidding you,” said the employee.
A manager at Soljie’s smoke shop said state officials are accusing them of illegally selling marijuana.
“Yeah, that’s what they say,” says manager, who declined to provide his name.
So far, it’s not clear what the enforcement entails or if the businesses face any legal action.
Soljie’s notice is dated March 27. The one at Puff Puff Pass is dated Dec. 21, 2023.
Each notice has a written warning from the state that the businesses are ordered to stop “illegal activity” and say the signs can’t be taken down.
News 12 reported on similar raids at five businesses in Rockland earlier this month.
People who News 12 spoke to in Newburgh have mixed feelings about it all. Some agree with the crack down but others say it’s a waste of time.
“I don’t think they should be cracking down on nobody. It’s weed, you know what I mean,” says one man who spoke with a ski mask on and didn’t provide his name. “It’s not killing anybody. The government sells weed, why can’t they.”
Officials have previously said that the unlicensed sale of cannabis scams the government out of thousands in tax dollars. The violation signs say illicit cannabis isn’t tested and can pose a threat to public health and safety.
News 12 reached out to state and local officials for information about the cannabis violation notices in the City of Newburgh but hasn’t heard back.
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