Rochester, N.Y. — The owner of a chain of unlicensed cannabis shops in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and Central New York now faces a $15.2 million fine.
The state shut down seven of Tulley’s shops last summer — in Auburn, Aurelius, Lyons, Ontario, Macedon, Pulaski and Williamson.
BACKGROUND: NYS shuts down ‘I’m Stuck’ chain of cannabis dispensaries in CNY, Finger Lakes regions | Owner of ‘I’m Stuck’ cannabis stores speaks out on allegations amid closures
Tulley’s fine includes $7 million for illegal profits and $8.2 million in penalties for operating without a license and ignoring notices from the state Office of Cannabis Management.
“These illegal and unlicensed stores are budding up throughout the state and are hurting our communities,” James said in a statement. “Today, David Tulley is paying the $15 million price for his repeated illegal activity and will be permanently banned from the cannabis industry in New York. This punishment should serve as a clear warning for all unlicensed cannabis stores in the state: we will enforce the law and shut down your operations.”
In previous interviews with 13WHAM, Tulley denied selling cannabis. Instead, he claimed I’m Stuck was a marketing and consulting firm that gifted cannabis samples.
Investigators said their undercover surveillance found underage customers buying cannabis. Tulley denied the allegation.
MORE: ‘It’s comical’: Owner of unlicensed Finger Lakes cannabis chain vows to appeal $15.2M fine
