Illegal Marijuana Shops Proliferate In NYC Despite Crackdowns

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 16: The window of a smoke shop displays smoking paraphernalia as authorities step up a crackdown on unlicensed smoke shops June 16, 2023. The crackdown on illegal dispensaries comes after New York legalized recreational cannabis use in 2021 but only at approved stores that sell cannabis in a controlled and monitored environment. Since legalization, hundreds of businesses have opened across the city selling cannabis products illegally. Currently, about 10 legal pot shops operate in the state with the most in New York City and those caught selling illegally face fines up to $20,000 per day. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)