Published on August 12, 2024
Statement by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh on a bench decision by State Supreme Court Judge James Murphy in a case involving alleged illegal and unlicensed cannabis sales at a business on North Salina Street known as “The Herbal Center” or “THC.” The Court agreed with the City that its Local Cannabis Law is not preempted by New York State law, and that the City’s case against The Herbal Center can proceed to trial.
“The Supreme Court’s decision affirms the City’s ability to use our local cannabis law to prosecute illegal and unlicensed sales of cannabis and seek the imposition of steep civil penalties against those unlicensed violators. Judge Murphy’s decision made clear the City’s local law was not pre-empted by State law. This decision isn’t just a victory for the City, it’s a win for the health and safety of our citizens, our neighborhoods, and quality of life and will aid in the lawful rollout of cannabis in New York.”
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