The state Office of Cannabis Management’s enforcement division closed a smoke shop in the town of Oneonta last week for unlicensed sale of cannabis products.
Dream Exotic and Smoke Shop, 389 Chestnut St. in the town’s West End was sealed Monday, July 8 after the division seized illicit cannabis products, according to the notice of violation posted on the shop’s door.
On the notice, the state investigator marked multiple sources of information or belief, including the observation of one or more of the following: “cannabis, cannabinoid hemp, cannabinoid hemp extract products, and products marketed/labeled as containing cannabis and/or cannabinoid hemp being offered/stored/provided/cultivated/processed which require licensure.”
It also included observation of tools or equipment indicating the location was operating as a cannabis retailer, cultivator or processor. The state investigator included “proof of sale, seller ATM” in this section.
The state investigator also indicated the observation of one or more of the following: an itemized price list for cannabis or cannabinoid hemp products, a cash register, point of sale system, price tags, customers making payments, empty packaging, scales, processing equipment or labelling machine.
According to the notice, the business owner can request a hearing to contest the sealing of the business with a verified statement of ownership within seven days of July 8.
According to the OCM website, the enforcement division is able to place an emergency padlock on a business that is seen as an immediate threat to public health, which can be in effect for up to one year, and removing or damaging a padlock is a class A misdemeanor for obstructing governmental administration.
Troop C Public Information Officer Aga Tinker said via email Monday, July 15 that “there is an on-going investigation. A press release will be issued when the investigation is concluded.”
According to the OCM website, enforcement is a part of ongoing attempts to prevent unregulated, unlicensed sale of cannabis and cannabis infused products.
Adult recreational cannabis use was legalized on March 31, 2021, with the passing of the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act. Businesses can submit an application to acquire a license for the legal sale of cannabis products in the state.
OCM did not immediately respond to a request for comment July 15.