State shuts down Watertown smoke shop over illegal marijuana

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – A Watertown smoke shop has been closed after the state says it seized illegal marijuana there.

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management shut down NYC Smoke Shop on Factory Street on Wednesday.

The locks on the store were changed.

The state posted a sign in a window saying, “Warning: this business is sealed by order of the Cannabis Control Board.” In bold red letters, it reads,” ILLICIT CANNABIS SEIZED.”

A source told 7 News that the Office of Cannabis Management locked down other shops in the city.

7 News has reached out to OCM for information. We’ll update this story if we hear back.

There was a steady stream of would-be customers arriving at the store. Some said they wanted to buy cigarettes or vapes, but with the place shut down all left empty-handed.

“Supposedly they have regular weed and they come in mylar bags, but I don’t know what it is,” said Paul Amelang.

“I usually stop in here for my vapes and cigarettes. Cheaper than at a store or the gas station. Been coming here ever since they were open. The one guy that works here is always very nice, very friendly,” said Stacey Scott.

The raids come on the same day that Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than 1,000 illegal cannabis retailers have been shut down across New York.

Cannabis has been legal in New York state since 2021. However, retailers must be licensed by the state to sell it.

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