Canandaigua Cannabis Store Closed, Products Seized
- The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in Canandaigua, New York shut down a store, Jaygega7.0, for allegedly selling cannabis illegally. The store, owned by George West, was opened in 2019 to sell CBD. OCM took a court order from the Ontario County Supreme Court to shut down the store and seize hundreds of thousands of dollars in products.
- OCM stated that the business did not possess a legal license to sell cannabis products. Despite a cease violation issued earlier this year, the business continued to sell. Owners, George West and Emily Tapke, were previously arrested by Canandaigua police in 2022 for illegally selling cannabis. West currently does not face any criminal charges but has an upcoming court date.
- According to OCM, any business with such a violation cannot apply for a license for at least three years. OCM’s Daniel Haughney stated that they examine the past history of applicants and are not interested in licensing those who operate illegally. George West is hopeful about his existing application for a permit, though he admits the chances are not favorable. The landlord of the property also faces liability, and a court appearance for the case is likely to take place in the coming weeks.
Illegal Cannabis Store in Canandaigua Shut Down
In Canandaigua, N.Y., an alleged unlicensed cannabis store, Jaygega7.0, was closed by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) on Thursday. The authorities executed a court order from the Ontario County Supreme Court, confiscating hundreds of thousands worth of cannabis products.
The owner, George West, had initially opened the store in 2019 to sell CBD. However, the OCM confirmed that the store lacked a legal license to distribute cannabis products. Despite a cease violation issued earlier this year, the business continued its operations.
An inspection in June led to the seizure of illegal products worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. George West, along with Emily Tapke, were arrested in 2022 by Canandaigua police for the illegal sale of cannabis.
Although West does not face any charges as a result of the recent closure, he is due in court. OCM indicated that any business involved in such a violation would face a minimum of three-year prohibition from applying for a license.
“If you’re going to operate illegally without a license… That’s not someone we’re looking to license,” stated Daniel Haughney from OCM. West, on the other hand, remains hopeful, “I hope to continue to be able to do my job, and in the future be on the right side of the market.”
The OCM also holds the landlord liable, though a definite schedule for the court appearance has not yet been established. It is expected within the next few weeks.
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