A pedestrian passes a smoke shop in New York City on June 16, 2023. New York authorities are cracking down on unlicensed smoke shops that are selling cannabis. Currently, there are just 23 legal dispensaries open across the state, with only nine in New York City. But its effort has only begun to chip away at the vendors, particularly in New York City. In addition to skirting the tax system, smoke shops operating illegally may also pose significant health risks.

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Persons: Spencer Platt, We're, Daniel Haughney Organizations: New, Getty, New York, Office, of Cannabis Management, CNBC, New York state's, Cannabis Management, New York City, New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association, Cannabis Control Locations: New York City, New York, New