Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Council poised to pass bill cracking down on weed landlords
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Jun 22, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Jake Offenhartz
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Jun 22, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A bill that would penalize landlords for knowingly leasing space to illegal marijuana dispensaries is slated to pass during Thursday’s City Council session.
With the support of more than half of the Council, the bill — which is up for a committee vote before Thursday’s full Council meeting — is designed to help the city crack down on illicit smoke shops by holding commercial landlords accountable with fines that start at $1,000 and go up after subsequent violations. The measure also requires authorities to submit a quarterly enforcement report to the mayor and Council.
Councilmember Lynn Schulman, the bill’s lead sponsor, said during a hearing Tuesday that the new rules will help address a pressing issue that has been plaguing neighborhoods across the city.
“By holding landlords accountable for knowingly enabling these illegal activities, we can restore the trust and security that our residents deserve,” she said.
Since marijuana was legalized in New York State two years ago, the city and state have struggled to keep unlicensed dispensaries in check. Hundreds of unlicensed vendors are allegedly selling weed, tobacco, and other substances that aren’t regulated by city or state officials.
Last year, Mayor Eric Adams created a task force aimed at smoking out unlicensed and untaxed dispensaries. In February, the Manhattan district attorney asked landlords to evict tenants who are operating illegal shops. And in May, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation as part of the state budget that allows shops to be fined up to $20,000 a day for unlicensed sales.
“We acknowledge that Albany dropped the ball here when they legalized these retail licenses without any sort of clear enforcement component,” said Councilmember Justin Brannan on Tuesday, who is also sponsoring the measure. “Unfortunately, in the city, we’re the ones that have to deal with their mess.”
See the complete list of licensed, legal dispensaries here.
Giulia Heyward contributed reporting.
Tagged
weed
Kathy Hochul
City Council
eric adams
dispensary
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .