Although cannabis has been legal in New York City for a few years now, the illegal cannabis trade is still booming and bigger than ever. As a result, there are a number of illegal speakeasy-type cafes and dens where people can buy cannabis over the counter. Although these places won’t openly advertise their sales – they’re still around and if you know where to look, they’re easy enough to find.

Having said this, the New York Office of Cannabis Management is trying to tackle these unlicensed places. This was seen most recently when an image appeared whereby a shop on 793 Broadway had been closed with a warning note left on the window. As seen in the reflection, this shop was literally opposite the famous Grace Church.

In large red letters, this said “Warning: This business is ordered to stop illegal activity. Illicit cannabis seized.” Next to this was an Enforcement Divison note that mentioned the statement of charges amongst other details.

At the same time, according to NYC residents, this seizure wouldn’t put a real dent in the illegal cannabis market. One local said, “Whack A Mole The Weed Edition. They created a problem through their failed rollout and possible self-sabotage by Cuomo. He never wanted this. What a mess and joke. This is the tip of the iceberg.”

In other words, despite looking hard on crime – this may not be really effective, and if the word on the street is to be believed, for every illegal cannabis closed, another could easily open up around the corner.