Hazy weed enforcement sparks reefer madness in New York

New York City was already home to one of the largest illicit marijuana markets in the world prior to legalization. But confusion surrounding weed laws, combined with the entrepreneurial ethos of the Big Apple, has led to a booming, brazen market for unregulated cannabis sales.

Until recently, authorities have taken a mostly hands-off approach. Police have stood by as people sold weed out in the open — on sidewalks, in parks and at storefronts that have proliferated across the city, including near Housing Works’ new East Village dispensary.

For months, officials at New York’s cannabis regulatory agency shied away from even using the word “enforcement.”

“The history of government enforcement has really been … associated with putting Black bodies in prison,” said Trivette Knowles, a spokesperson for the Office of Cannabis Management.

But as the state nears its first regulated sales, authorities are coming down on the unregulated market as it threatens the success of licensed businesses. [Read More @ Politico]