Last week, Dutchie proudly joined forces with fellow clients and licensed cannabis retailers in endorsing a groundbreaking legislative proposal introduced by Assembly Member Zaccaro and State Senator Bailey in New York.
This landmark legislation targets the pervasive issue of illicit cannabis sales within unlicensed shops across the state. The proposed bill (A09520/S08847), if enacted, will grant the power to revoke licenses for the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, alcohol, and lottery tickets to individuals engaged in illicit cannabis activities—a decisive measure aimed at safeguarding the legitimacy of the legal cannabis market.
At Dutchie, our core ethos revolves around championing licensed dispensary operators. We strongly believe in upholding regulatory compliance and advocating for responsible business practices. Our wholehearted endorsement of this legislation underscores our unwavering commitment to these fundamental principles.
It is crucial to emphasize that our stance against illicit cannabis sales is not an endorsement of another "war on drugs." It is not a stance against “legacy.” Rather, it is us acknowledging the day-to-day challenges that we see our clients experiencing firsthand as they bear the weight of paving the way and being first to market in New York’s legal cannabis industry. During Governor Hochu’s press conference on shutting down illicit storefronts, CONBUD’s Co-Owner Alfredo eloquently reminded us that many of these licensed dispensary operators have “used their personal savings, borrowed from friends and family… emptied out their children’s bank accounts, college savings accounts… in an effort to jumpstart a new industry in New York …. These individuals have invested their time, money, and dreams into a legal cannabis business, only to find themselves undercut and outmaneuvered by illicit operators.”
By supporting this legislation, we aim to redress these inequities and foster a more level playing field within the cannabis industry. We view this proposed bill as a pivotal step towards deterring illicit operators and cultivating a culture of compliance and integrity.
It was also incredibly gratifying to connect live in Albany at the press conference with fellow cannabis retail clients and friends of Dutchie advocating for this proposed bill: CONBUD, Terp Bros, Hi! NYC, Stage One Cannabis, Just Breathe, ayrloom, Cannabis Association of New York, New York Cannabis Retail Association, Long Island Cannabis Coalition, Castetter Cannabis Group, and Marino. (Note that many cannabis retailers were not able to make the trip to Albany and support the press conference due to recently downsizing staff as a direct result of all the illicit cannabis competition).
A rising tide lifts all boats, and this legislation is a testament to what we are capable of when we all come together: not only as a community in an emerging industry but also in conjunction with a bipartisan group of state lawmakers. We look forward to sharing the progress and results of this milestone, which epitomizes our steadfast dedication to upholding the integrity of the legal cannabis market.
Photo credit: Office of Assemblymember Grace Lee
