Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. (R,C-East Fishkill) joined Assembly colleagues yesterday for a press conference highlighting a proposal he is pushing in conjunction with Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Queens) that seeks to eliminate the rampant spread of illegal marijuana businesses popping up across New York. Called the Smokeout Act, this measure would give local municipalities more authority on the licensing requirements for operating a legal cannabis business and allow them to shutter businesses not following regulations.

“Local authorities are asking us to empower them by giving them the tools to manage the ongoing illegal marijuana business crisis, which I believe is a reasonable request,” Beephan said. “Cooperation with the State Office of Cannabis Management can continue, but as that state office continues to find its footing and form its protocols, local authorities should absolutely have the power to ensure safety in their communities. I’m grateful to Assemblywoman Rajkumar for her leadership on this issue and look forward to voting in favor of this bill when the time comes.”