What NYC really needs is prevention of weed smoking, not more shops

It is evident that the rollout of retail cannabis in New York has been chaotic. Legal weed shops are struggling to compete with over 2,000 illegal competitors due to the delay in issuing official licenses by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

Law enforcement efforts to crackdown on illegal cannabis shops, like Zaza Waza in the Upper West Side, have been ineffective, leading to tragic incidents such as the shooting deaths of two individuals in Mount Vernon.

As the state conducts a 30-day review of cannabis retailing, it is crucial to reevaluate the current strategy. Instead of focusing solely on increasing the number of legal cannabis outlets, there should be a shift towards acknowledging the risks associated with marijuana use and discouraging its consumption, especially among youth.

Recent medical evidence has highlighted the dangers of marijuana use, with warnings from organizations like the CDC and the American Heart Association about the negative health effects. The comparison between the state’s approach to tobacco and cannabis raises questions about the promotion of marijuana sales over public health concerns.

It is clear that the current enforcement strategy to address illegal cannabis shops is ineffective and diverts resources from more pressing issues. A new approach is needed to change social norms around drug use and prevent young people from engaging in harmful behaviors.

Moreover, the normalization of drug use through promotional campaigns by the Office of Addiction Services and Support is concerning. Funds received from opioid settlements should be allocated towards educating the public about drug dangers, rather than normalizing drug use.

A comprehensive reevaluation of New York’s cannabis control strategy is necessary to address the proliferation of illegal smoke shops. By focusing on discouraging marijuana use and promoting awareness of its risks, it is possible to combat the issue of illegal cannabis shops effectively.

Howard Husock is an American Enterprise Institute senior fellow and the author of “The Poor Side of Town — And Why We Need It.”