2025 Reefer Madness: NYPD Edition
How NYC Agencies Are Undermining Cannabis Equity and Criminalizing Black-Owned Businesses
In 1936, the film Reefer Madness ignited a moral panic that led to decades of racially biased cannabis enforcement. This hysteria disproportionately targeted Black and Brown communities, especially Mexican immigrants, resulting in mass incarceration and systemic oppression. Today, nearly a century later, the echoes of that era resound in New York City, where agencies like the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the NYPD, and the Sheriff's Office are conducting raids on licensed cannabis businesses, undermining state laws and perpetuating racial disparities.
A Legal Business. A Legacy at Stake
One such incident involves Laced Bakes, a Black, queer, woman-owned infused bakery in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Despite holding a valid license from the state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), Laced Bakes was subjected to a surprise inspection by the DOHMH, accompanied by the NYPD and Sheriff's Office. This operation, lacking due process and a warrant, led to the seizure of products and the imposition of sanctions that threaten the bakery's survival.
““It’s disheartening to see licensed establishments, especially those led by marginalized individuals, being targeted under the guise of regulation,” “These actions undermine the very principles of equity and justice that the state’s cannabis program was supposed to uphold.””
When the Law Becomes the Outlaw
Historically, New York City has witnessed power wrestle with progress. The Wild West days might seem like a distant memory, but today’s enforcement actions evoke that same lawless, arbitrary brutality. Instead of a conversation, we received a swift, aggressive clampdown. No proper testing was conducted. No formal warning. Just forced destruction of our inventory and a cold closure order that feels more like an assault than an inspection.
This incident isn't isolated. In January 2025, State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Marcelle ruled that warrantless raids on licensed hemp shops by the NYC Sheriff's Office and state regulators were unconstitutional, violating the Fourth Amendment. Yet, such enforcement actions persist, highlighting a disconnect between judicial decisions and on-the-ground practices.
A Tale of Conflicting Regulations
The battle isn’t just physical—it’s bureaucratic. On one side, the DOHMH enforces what they claim to be federal standards. On the other, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) explicitly supports hemp-derived, orally consumed products under New York State law (see Part 11, Section 114.8(b)(1)[i]). The result? A twisted tug-of-war that leaves small, locally rooted businesses caught in the middle.
Moreover, the state's cannabis program, initially lauded for its commitment to social equity, faces criticism for its execution. Governor Kathy Hochul's administration has been accused of implementing policies that favor well-funded corporations over small, minority-owned businesses. High licensing fees and stringent regulations have placed undue financial strain on these entrepreneurs, many of whom are now trapped in debt.
““The promises of restorative justice and economic empowerment ring hollow when the very communities meant to benefit are left struggling,”. “We need policies that genuinely support these businesses, not ones that set them up for failure.””
The Crushing Impact on A Small Bake Shop
Laced Bakes isn't just a business; it's a community hub in a neighborhood grappling with food insecurity. The bakery has been instrumental in providing accessible, health-focused non-infused foods like salads and sandwiches, as well as hemp-infused baked goods. Founded by Crystal Grant, a native of the area, Laced Bakes has hosted free yoga sessions and envisioned educational workshops and entertainment events aimed at uplifting minority and queer residents.
For Laced Bakes, the fight continues. Operating under the weight of financial burdens and regulatory challenges, the bakery seeks community support to keep its doors open. Donations can be made at https://www.lacedbakes.com/donation. This isn't just about one business; it's about standing against systemic injustices and advocating for a fair and inclusive cannabis industry.
As New York navigates the complexities of cannabis legalization, it's imperative to ensure that the mistakes of the past aren't repeated. True equity requires more than rhetoric; it demands action, accountability, and unwavering support for those who've long been marginalized.
“As a Black queer woman-owned business navigating New York’s complex cannabis-adjacent space, I’ve come to a difficult realization: the current regulatory environment does not support small, equity-focused entrepreneurs—it penalizes them. Despite operating within legal limits and prioritizing community wellness, we’ve faced arbitrary enforcement driven by false reports and a lack of transparency.
The promise of opportunity under New York’s cannabis equity narrative has, in practice, been a bureaucratic maze filled with contradictions. Instead of fostering growth, the state’s approach—under Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams—feels more like a circus, where “Reefer Madness” fear tactics are still alive and well.
To those considering entering New York’s cannabis market: proceed with caution. Until there’s real protection, access to capital, and a regulatory body committed to actual equity, small businesses like mine will continue to face uphill battles.
We remain committed to our community, our mission, and to joy—but we also demand better.”
