City ‘Weedwacks’ More Than 200 Illegal Cannabis Shops Across Manhattan

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY – Officials say they’re making progress on the illegal pot shops that seem to have sprouted up all over the city.

While specific addresses weren’t available, a city spokesperson told Patch that more than 200 cannabis retailers have been “sealed” – or temporarily shuttered – in Manhattan since Operation Padlock to Protect began in May.

That includes Red Eye Remedy Club, which was closed earlier in July. The “club” operated on Broadway, between West 61st and 62nd Streets.

Another, Pure Green, operated on West 72nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues – until June at least.

Although Pure Green remains closed, some stores may have reopened following administrative proceedings.

That said, officials believe they’re making progress in their battle against the unauthorized stores.

"To date, we have already sealed over 775 illegal cannabis shops, taken $41 million in illegal products off our streets, and issued over $65 million in violations, and these numbers continue to rise every day," said Mayor Eric Adams.

An estimated 2,900 unlicensed cannabis retailers were previously operating citywide, according to reports. That's compared to the only 60 licensed dispensaries currently open for business.