Binghamton Mayor Proposes Tougher Laws to Shut Down Illegal Cannabis Shops

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham has introduced new legislation aimed at cracking down on unlicensed cannabis stores in the city. His proposal comes in response to growing concerns about public safety and the impact of illegal cannabis sales on both the legal market and local revenues.

Empowering Law Enforcement to Take Immediate Action

Mayor Kraham’s proposed law would give the Binghamton Police Department more power to inspect and shut down stores found repeatedly violating cannabis laws. The legislation would allow police to close shops involved in illegal cannabis activity until a court hearing is held. This is a major step in trying to curb what has been a persistent problem in the area—unlicensed “sticker shops.”

Sticker shops operate by selling stickers for a price, and in return, they “gift” customers cannabis products. These shops are not licensed to sell cannabis, but they attempt to exploit loopholes in the law. Mayor Kraham made it clear that this practice will no longer be tolerated.

  • The Binghamton Police will have the authority to inspect suspected businesses.
  • Stores found repeatedly violating cannabis laws can be closed immediately.
  • The legislation emphasizes the need for a court hearing before reopening.

Protecting Consumers from Dangerous Products

In addition to the legal issues, Mayor Kraham raised concerns about the potential dangers associated with the cannabis being sold in these unlicensed shops. He emphasized that without the proper regulations, there is no guarantee that the products are safe for consumers.

New York State requires licensed dispensaries to sell cannabis that has undergone safety testing. However, the unregulated products from sticker shops may be dangerous, overpriced, and even sold to minors.

Kraham highlighted several risks:

  • Untested products may contain harmful chemicals.
  • Some stores are selling to underage customers.
  • Consumers might be overpaying for poor-quality products.

These risks not only threaten public health but also undercut legitimate cannabis businesses that follow state regulations.

Financial Impact on Local and State Revenue

Mayor Kraham stressed the importance of the legal cannabis industry as a source of revenue for both the state and local municipalities. The illicit sales from unlicensed shops are not subject to taxes, meaning that these businesses are effectively “stealing” from taxpayers.

By operating outside of the legal framework, these shops avoid paying the sales tax that licensed dispensaries are required to collect. This not only harms the legal cannabis market but also deprives local governments of much-needed funds that could be used to benefit the community.

According to Kraham:

  • Illicit shops are not contributing sales tax revenue.
  • Legal shops are key to growing the local economy.
  • Tax revenues from legal cannabis sales can fund public services.

Legislation Now Under City Council Review

The proposed legislation has been sent to the Binghamton City Council for consideration. If passed, it will represent a significant step toward curbing illegal cannabis sales in the city and creating a safer, more regulated market.

Mayor Kraham’s initiative aligns with broader efforts across New York State to strengthen enforcement of cannabis laws. With legal dispensaries working to meet safety and certification standards, the move to crack down on sticker shops is seen as a way to level the playing field and protect consumers.

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