New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a monumental $6 million judgment against Big Chief Smoke Shop in Brooklyn, a business operating without a cannabis license , in a recent move to crack down on illegal cannabis sales, . This ruling follows Big Chief’s persistent violation of state cannabis laws, continuing operations despite multiple cease orders from the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
Big Chief, which had been selling cannabis since November 2022, was found operating without the proper state-issued license, putting both consumers and the community at risk. Despite inspections in August and October 2023 that led to the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal cannabis, the store remained defiant. The court ultimately ordered its closure in December 2023.
The $6 million judgment includes fines, disgorgement of profits, and additional penalties for violating cannabis laws. This case sends a strong message to other unlicensed operators, underlining New York’s commitment to enforcing its regulated cannabis market, ensuring safety, and protecting consumers.
This crackdown is part of broader efforts by the state to ensure only licensed and law-abiding cannabis retailers can operate, securing both public health and the legal cannabis economy.
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