Marijuana

Cannabis Store Operators Call for Loan Forgiveness

Jan. 9, 2025, 8:13 p.m.Jan. 9, 2025, 8:13 p.m.

Faced with high-cost loans, social equity borrowers say a New York State program designed to help them threatens to sink their businesses instead.

Marijuana

High-Ranking Assembly Member Calls for Aid To Beleaguered State Cannabis Fund Borrowers

Dec. 10, 2024, 5:52 p.m.Dec. 10, 2024, 6:18 p.m.

Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes suggests helping indebted store owners — highlighted in reporting by THE CITY — with money from licensing fees paid by medical marijuana companies.

Smacked owner Roland Conner was overseeing the opening of a lounge in the basement of his state-licensed Bleecker Street smoke shop.

Marijuana

Once the Face of the State’s Cannabis Loan Fund, He Now Fears Foreclosure

Nov. 27, 2024, 5:00 a.m.Nov. 27, 2024, 11:24 a.m.

All cameras were on Roland Conner when he first opened, but in a fate experienced by other store operators, his deal’s costly requirements are threatening his dreams.

New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda speaks at a Bronx warehouse about the city and state’s efforts to seize illegal cannabis products.

Law Enforcement

Judge Reins in City Sheriff Following Wave of Cannabis Raids that Shut Down Shops

Oct. 31, 2024, 1:27 p.m.Oct. 31, 2024, 1:27 p.m.

Sheriff Anthony Miranda has repeatedly overruled a city tribunal that rejected cases alleging stores illegally sold pot. A Queens Supreme Court justice ruled both the enforcement law and his actions unconstitutional.

Cannabis social equity fund managers Lavetta Willis, left, Chris Webber and Bill Thompson attend the pre-opening press conference for a state-sanctioned cannabis store on Bleecker Street.

Marijuana

New York’s Cannabis Fund Became a Disaster. Its Managers Earned $1.7 Million Nonetheless.

Oct. 24, 2024, 1:14 p.m.Oct. 24, 2024, 2:39 p.m.

Records obtained by THE CITY show that the high-profile and celebrity managers of a private-public cannabis loan fund snagged a windfall.

NYPD officers detain a smoke shop worker.

Law Enforcement

Police Review Board Investigating NYPD Raid of Staten Island Pot Shop

Aug. 2, 2024, 5:00 a.m.Aug. 2, 2024, 11:55 a.m.

Surveillance footage published by THE CITY showed a large group of officers cursing, jumping over a counter and charging at a shopkeeper who had asked to see a court order.

Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks about cracking down on unlicensed cannabis shops.

Marijuana

Cannabis Licensees Blast Hochul for Disastrous Rollout Even as Gov Touts ‘New Era’ for Industry

June 18, 2024, 6:09 p.m.June 18, 2024, 6:20 p.m.

Citing THE CITY’s investigation, dozens of protesters rallied outside Hochul’s midtown office saying they’ve been failed by a predatory loan program the governor ed.

State Senators Liz Krueger and Gustavo Rivera are shown in a diptych image speaking at the Capitol Building in Albany.

Marijuana

State Senators Call for Investigation of Cannabis Fund After Reading CITY Exposé

June 13, 2024, 4:51 p.m.June 13, 2024, 4:53 p.m.

State Sens. Liz Krueger and Gustavo Rivera also demanded the state cease making loans through Chicago Atlantic and make whole those trapped in the predatory deal.

Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks about a state law enforcement effort against unlicensed cannabis businesses.

Marijuana

State Cannabis Officials Repeatedly Raised Alarms to Hochul’s Team Over Private Equity Loan Deal, Internal Emails Show

June 11, 2024, 5:01 a.m.June 11, 2024, 4:57 p.m.

Staffers red-flagged inflated costs and default risks for startup retailers — but were largely ignored by top officials under pressure to get financing flowing.

NYPD

Video of NYPD Cannabis Raid and Arrest Raises Questions About Adams’ New Enforcement Offensive

June 3, 2024, 5:01 a.m.June 1, 2024, 8:53 a.m.

Cops seized less than a pound of weed, hauled a shopkeeper away in cuffs and ignited lawyers’ due process concerns.

Marijuana

Cannabis Store Operators Call for Loan Forgiveness

High-Ranking Assembly Member Calls for Aid To Beleaguered State Cannabis Fund Borrowers

Once the Face of the State’s Cannabis Loan Fund, He Now Fears Foreclosure

Judge Reins in City Sheriff Following Wave of Cannabis Raids that Shut Down Shops

New York’s Cannabis Fund Became a Disaster. Its Managers Earned $1.7 Million Nonetheless.

Police Review Board Investigating NYPD Raid of Staten Island Pot Shop

Cannabis Licensees Blast Hochul for Disastrous Rollout Even as Gov Touts ‘New Era’ for Industry

State Senators Call for Investigation of Cannabis Fund After Reading CITY Exposé

State Cannabis Officials Repeatedly Raised Alarms to Hochul’s Team Over Private Equity Loan Deal, Internal Emails Show

Video of NYPD Cannabis Raid and Arrest Raises Questions About Adams’ New Enforcement Offensive

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