Can You Solve the Illicit Cannabis Market Problem by Throwing Money at It? New York Bets $16 Million It Can Fix the Unsolvable!

According to the Buffalo News, the budget bill in New York has earmarked $16 million to tackle unlicensed cannabis dispensaries. Governor Kathy Hochul (D) signed the legislation, which raises fines for unlawful operators from $500 to a maximum of $7,500 for initial offences. The bill also increases monetary penalties to triple the taxes that could have been generated from the sales.