Simply Explained: New York Closes 1,400 Illegal Cannabis Shops
Want more details? 💡 Read the full analysis article here.
On November 14, 2025, police in New York seized cannabis worth $17 million in one raid. That was the biggest raid yet. Since May 2024, almost 1,400 illegal cannabis shops have been closed. We explain what's happening – and why.
Key Facts
- $17 million seized: On November 14, the largest cannabis raid in New York took place (News12 Brooklyn).
- 1,400 shops closed: Since May 2024, police have shut down almost 1,400 illegal cannabis shops in New York City (Business of Cannabis).
- New law enables quick action: Since 2024, police can close illegal shops immediately – without a long court process.
- Cannabis is legal, but many shops aren't: In New York, cannabis has been legal since 2021. But only shops with a license can sell it. Thousands of shops sell without a license.
🏙️ What Happened in New York?
Cannabis Is Legal – But Complicated
In New York, cannabis has been legal since 2021. Adults can buy and use it. But: Only shops that have a special permit (license) from the state can sell cannabis.
The problem: There are thousands of shops in New York selling cannabis – without a license. That's illegal. These shops don't pay taxes, their products are often unsafe (no testing), and they compete with legal shops.
The Mega-Raid: $17 Million
On November 14, 2025, police searched a shop in Brooklyn (the Bed-Stuy neighborhood). What they found was huge: cannabis products worth $17 million (News12 Brooklyn).
What made it wild: Police discovered a secret chute inside the building. It was used to transport products between floors. The shop had no license.
📊 How Many Shops Were Closed?
The police operation is called "Operation Padlock." It's been running since May 2024. The numbers are massive:
- 1,400 shops closed (just in New York City) (Business of Cannabis).
- $95 million worth of illegal cannabis seized.
- Statewide in New York: Almost 500 shops closed, over $125 million seized (NYS OCM).
🔒 How Does "Operation Padlock" Work?
Padlock = Lock
"Padlock" means a lock you hang on a door. Police use big locks to seal illegal shops. The shop can't open anymore.
Before: Long Court Cases
Before 2024, police had to go to court first. The court had to decide if the shop could be closed. That often took months. During that time, the shop stayed open.
Now: Immediate Closure
Since 2024, there's a new law. Police can close illegal shops immediately – without going to court. They just need to check: Does the shop have a license? If no: Shop closed (Governor Hochul).
⚖️ Is This Legal?
Some shop owners sued. They said: Closing shops immediately isn't fair. We don't get a chance to defend ourselves.
But: In August 2025, a court decided. Police are allowed to do this. It's legal (WXXI News).
🤔 Why Are There So Many Illegal Shops?
New York legalized cannabis in 2021. But the first legal shops didn't open until 2022/2023. Why? Because it took a very long time for the state to give out licenses.
During that waiting period, thousands of illegal shops opened. They sold cannabis without licenses. By the time legal shops finally opened, illegal shops were everywhere.
Why Do People Buy from Illegal Shops?
- Cheaper: Illegal shops don't pay taxes. So cannabis is cheaper there than in legal shops.
- More selection: Illegal shops sell everything. Including products that are banned in legal shops (like super-strong edibles).
- Everywhere: There are so many illegal shops that they're easier to find than legal ones.
💡 What Does This Mean for Germany?
Germany partially legalized cannabis in 2024 (CanG). But: Germany isn't doing what New York does. We don't have a major police operation against illegal cannabis sellers.
The lesson from New York: If you legalize cannabis, you must fight illegal sellers at the same time. Otherwise, the black market takes over.
🌍 Why This Matters Internationally
New York's story is important for other countries (like Germany, Canada, or European nations considering legalization):
- Legalization alone doesn't kill the black market: You need enforcement too.
- Speed matters: The longer it takes to open legal shops, the stronger the black market gets.
- Price competition is real: If legal cannabis is too expensive (high taxes), people will keep buying illegal.
Germany's CanG legalized personal use and home growing – but commercial sales are still banned (except in pilot cities). Without legal shops competing with the black market, illegal sellers thrive. New York shows: You can't just ignore them.
📋 Summary
| What? | Details |
|---|---|
| Biggest raid | $17 million (November 14, 2025) |
| Closed shops | 1,400 in NYC, 500 statewide |
| Seized | Over $95 million (NYC only) |
| How? | Immediate closure with padlocks |
| Legal? | Yes (court ruling August 2025) |
🔮 What Happens Next?
Operation Padlock continues. New York wants to close all illegal shops. But new illegal shops keep opening. It's a constant battle.
The goal: Legal shops should have a fair chance. Because only legal shops:
- Pay taxes (money for schools, roads, etc.)
- Sell safe products (tested for contaminants)
- Check buyers' age (no sales to minors)
If illegal shops disappear, the legal system can work. But it's a long road.