TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – In a significant enforcement action, the E-ASY DELI on Fallkill Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie has been shut down by the State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and local police for selling unlicensed cannabis products containing dangerously high levels of THC. The operation, which led to the confiscation of approximately $100,000 worth of illicit merchandise, highlights the growing concerns and escalating efforts by New York State to combat the proliferation of unregulated cannabis sales.
Undercover Operation Uncovers Potent and Illegal Products
The closure followed an undercover investigation prompted by a report from a local man who was hospitalized after consuming a THC-laced candy bar purchased at the deli. The seized products, including edibles and concentrates, were found to contain THC levels up to ten times the legal limit permitted in New York State. Officials displayed samples of the confiscated candy bars, which were packaged to closely resemble popular commercial sweets, posing a significant risk to unsuspecting consumers, particularly children who may not recognize the danger.
Dangers of Unlicensed Cannabis and Official Warnings
State Senator Rob Rolison, a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Cannabis, emphasized the severe public health risks associated with these unregulated products. “Think about individuals who may not really be paying attention,” Rolison stated, highlighting the potential for accidental consumption and adverse health reactions. Dan Haughney, Director of Enforcement and Investigations at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, echoed these concerns, specifically noting the heightened danger to children. “If mom or dad purchases this and has it in their purse or bag or suitcase and a child sees that candy bar and can’t read, that can be very dangerous,” Haughney remarked.
These unlicensed products often lack the rigorous testing required for legal cannabis, potentially containing harmful contaminants and inaccurate potency labeling. Recent studies and reports have consistently shown that illicit cannabis products can fail lab tests for purity and potency, presenting risks far beyond the intended effects of THC.
Landlords Face Increased Scrutiny and Liability
Adding to the consequences for unlicensed operations, OCM officials confirmed that landlords who permit such businesses to operate on their properties will be held accountable under state law. New York State has been actively strengthening its legal framework to hold property owners responsible, with enhanced penalties and enforcement tools now in place for landlords who knowingly lease to unlicensed cannabis retailers. Recent legislative changes and budget initiatives have empowered agencies like the OCM to pursue fines and, in some cases, initiate eviction proceedings against tenants engaged in illegal sales.
State’s Broader Offensive Against Illicit Cannabis
The shutdown of E-ASY DELI is part of a larger, coordinated effort by New York State to dismantle the illicit cannabis market. Governor Kathy Hochul has championed policies that provide law enforcement and regulatory bodies with enhanced authority to act against unlicensed storefronts and those who enable them. This crackdown utilizes a range of investigative tools and legal equipment, including an increased focus on sealing and padlocking illegal businesses. To date, enforcement actions have resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars worth of illicit cannabis products and hundreds of sealing orders across the state.
The OCM’s 2024 Annual Report detailed extensive enforcement activities, including thousands of inspections and significant seizures of illegal products. This ongoing campaign aims to protect public health, ensure consumer safety, and support the integrity and economic development of New York’s legal, regulated cannabis market. The news serves as a stark reminder that while legal cannabis is available and regulated in New York, the sale of unlicensed products carries serious legal and health ramifications.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the E-ASY DELI operation. No arrests have been announced as of Friday’s announcement, but the state’s commitment to clearing the market of illegal and unsafe products remains a clear priority.
