New York City’s Operation Padlock, launched in May 2024, has been cracking down on illegal cannabis sales, resulting in the closure of over 1,000 shops. While the initiative has boosted legal cannabis sales and created a more level playing field, questions remain about the legality of the operation and its long-term effectiveness.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams oversaw the destruction of over 8,000 pounds of cannabis products seized in ‘Operation Padlock,’ a joint law enforcement effort to crack down on illegal smoke shops in the city. The cannabis was incinerated at a facility outside of New York City, with the heat generated used to power the facility and homes on Long Island. Adams emphasized the importance of destroying the seized cannabis to prevent its re-entry into the community and to ensure no one would be able to consume it.
