State closes cannabis shop following reports of illicit sales to a minor

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s Enforcement and Investigations Division (OCM EID), closed The Green Threads, a cannabis retailer located at 18 Dolson Avenue in Middletown, after the office received reports that the retailer sold illicit cannabis to a 16-year-old.

The location was sealed following an undercover operation where an employee attempted to sell unlicensed cannabis to an OCM investigator. The Oofice also conducted a regulatory inspection with support from the Middletown Police Department.

The investigation uncovered adult-use cannabis flower, edibles, and concentrated cannabis products stored behind the retail counter in an open safe. OCM issued a notice of violation and order to seal, and the storefront was padlocked. After an administrative hearing held on May 4, the location was found to have been operating as an unlicensed dispensary and the order to seal was extended until May 8, 2027.

“Sales of cannabis to minors are unacceptable and directly undermine the public health safeguards built into New York’s regulated market,” said John Kagia, acting executive director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. “Our responsibility is to protect communities and ensure that cannabis is only sold by licensed businesses operating within the law. When unlicensed operators put young people at risk, we will act.”

The inspection was initiated in response to a citizen complaint alleging the unlawful sale of adult-use cannabis. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected illicit cannabis sales or illegal events to OCM through its online complaint form at https://cannabis.ny.gov/report-an-incident.