If you walk the streets of the city and beyond… you surely recognize the smell of marijuana.
But the derivatives of the plant that are offered in establishments of all kinds also have sweet smells… which mask the discomfort very well.
There is one problem with them, their sale is illegal in New York.
“I don’t agree with that. They’re really opening up those products a lot. And I definitely wouldn’t at least let my kids do that,” neighbor Alma Rocha said.
Former Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer has launched a crusade in the Sixth Ward he now represents as a board member against companies that sell cannabis without a license and, in his words, “free,” even to minors.
The counselor says her office did an investigation and visited 61 businesses including tobacconists, warehouses and even newsstands from 54th to 108th Street in Manhattan. And she found that at least 26 are selling the illegal product.
“The police department says they won’t enforce the law. The Albany Cannabis Office says they have to. But they can only deal with those who sell cannabis legally, not illegally,” Brewer said in an interview with NY1.
Faced with the dilemma, Gale said the city sheriff stepped in.
In prosecuting the unauthorized sale of tobacco, he also seized 100,000 pounds of cannabis. But there are several such shops and only one bailiff.
“We’re sort of out West right now,” Brewer said.
The adviser says she is concerned about businesses that have gone through a rigorous process including criminal background checks to obtain a license. 36 statewide counting 4 in Manhattan. They are not open yet and already have a lot of competition.
“The government, the police, they have to do more, but still everything is like free will and there is no control,” added neighbor Rocha.
Alma has a 12-year-old son and has a negative view of marijuana. But not everyone thinks the same way.
“Everyone knows what’s bad for each other, and well, if someone chooses marijuana, that’s their problem,” said Alonso Benavides.
The commissioner clarified that he agrees with the legalization of marijuana. But he vows to go after anyone who sells it illegally and hopes other politicians will join him.
The representative calls for strong legal measures for those who sell cannabis without a license, for criminal conduct and threat to public safety.
