EAST SETAUKET, LONG ISLAND – Strong Strains, poised to become Brookhaven Town’s first legal cannabis dispensary, is entangled in a legal dispute just days before its anticipated grand opening. Located at 19 Technology Drive in East Setauket, the business received a cease-and-desist letter on June 9, 2025, the very day it commenced a soft opening.
The Core of the Legal Challenge
The cease-and-desist letter, dated June 9, 2025, was issued by attorney Brian Egan, representing several entities associated with the property: Northgate Plaza at Stony Brook Condominium, Stony Brook Technology Association, and Tritec Real Estate. The letter asserts that Strong Strains’ operation at the East Setauket address violates the property’s rules and regulations.
According to the legal challenge, the dispensary’s activities contravene a specific clause within the property’s governance documents that prohibits “activities which violate federal laws.” Although cannabis is legal under New York State law for adult recreational use, it remains classified as a controlled substance under federal law, a point often cited in such property disputes.
Furthermore, the letter alleges that a cannabis dispensary does not align with the approved uses for the industrial condominium complex, which are stipulated as offices, research facilities, laboratories, or light industrial operations. The plaintiffs argue that Strong Strains also failed to obtain required written approval from the association before commencing operations.
Owner’s Stance and Justification
Despite the legal pressure, Strong Strains owner Surinder Sandhu, a retired physician, has publicly stated his resolve to continue operations. Sandhu maintains that the business has obtained all necessary permits and approvals from Brookhaven Town and holds a valid operating license issued by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
Sandhu’s position is that having secured state and local authorization, his business is operating legally within the relevant jurisdictions that govern cannabis retail in New York. The planned grand opening date for the dispensary remains scheduled for June 21, 2025.
Town’s Position on the Dispute
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has confirmed that Strong Strains did indeed receive the required town approvals necessary for its operation. However, Supervisor Panico characterized the escalating conflict as a private matter between the property owner – in this case, the dispensary operator – and the industrial condominium association.
Supervisor Panico stated that the Town of Brookhaven has no direct role in mediating or resolving this specific dispute, framing it as a civil matter concerning property covenants between private parties.
Demand for Closure and Potential Legal Action
The cease-and-desist letter delivered to Strong Strains is stringent in its demands. It explicitly requires that the dispensary cease all operations by June 23, 2025. The letter warns that failure to comply with this deadline will result in the property management and associated entities pursuing legal remedies available to them, potentially including litigation to force the closure of the business.
This legal challenge highlights a recurring tension in states where cannabis has been legalized, particularly concerning property rights, federal prohibition, and local zoning or covenant restrictions. As the first of its kind in Brookhaven Town, Strong Strains’ battle could set a precedent for future cannabis businesses attempting to establish operations within existing commercial or industrial properties on Long Island.
The outcome of this dispute remains uncertain as Strong Strains prepares for its official grand opening while simultaneously facing a significant legal threat demanding its immediate closure.
